2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (264 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1988 Porsche 944. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1988 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 944 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1988 Porsche 944 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 1988 Porsche 944. 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Porsche 944. (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Porsche 944. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1988 Porsche 944 has manual transmission. 1988 Porsche 944 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 | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Taurus | 944 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 66 L |
