2009 BMW 550 vs. 1996 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1996 Ford Taurus. (235 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1996 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 550 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1996 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 550 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 3392 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1592 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
