2009 Chrysler 300 vs. 1996 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Chrysler 300 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 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Chrysler 300. (215 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2009 Chrysler 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 367 kg more than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Because 2009 Chrysler 300 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 Chrysler 300. 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 Chrysler 300 (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chrysler 300 | 1996 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | 300 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 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 | 1959 kg | 1592 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 61 L |
