2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1969 Maserati Mistral
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Maserati Mistral. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Maserati Mistral would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Maserati Mistral is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (264 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1969 Maserati Mistral. (252 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1969 Maserati Mistral. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Maserati Mistral weights approximately 299 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1969 Maserati Mistral 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 1969 Maserati Mistral. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1969 Maserati Mistral (363 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 1969 Maserati Mistral will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1969 Maserati Mistral has manual transmission. 1969 Maserati Mistral will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1969 Maserati Mistral | |
| Make | Ford | Maserati |
| Model | Taurus | Mistral |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 4014 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
