2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1997 Honda NSX
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2009 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 388 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda NSX 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 1997 Honda NSX. 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 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1997 Honda NSX 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 | 1997 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Taurus | NSX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
