2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1998 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Ram. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Ram would be higher. At 5,208 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Ram. (223 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Ram. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Ram weights approximately 993 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Dodge Ram (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1998 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Taurus | Ram |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 2100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2790 mm |
