2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 424 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1996 Ford Mustang 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 1996 Ford Mustang. 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2580 mm |
