This is Not Your Father’s Taurus…

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Let’s Compare Some Ford Models - Ford Taurus vs Mercury Sable

The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable were first produced in 1985 for release in 1986. These cars gave their manufactures a revamped and revitalized appearance. A new aerodynamic design and an emphasis on increased visibility paved the way for enthusiastic customers.

These front wheel drive, mid-sized vehicles were offered either as four door sedans or as station wagons. Purchasers could select either bucket front seats or opt for a bench front seat increasing the passenger size from 5 to six. The Ford Taurus weighed approximately 3200 pounds.

The L and MT-5 versions were standard versions of the Taurus. The Taurus GL provided a mid-level upgrade while the Taurus LX was the accessory loaded model. The GL included air-conditioning, power windows and locks, a power driver’s seat feature, cruise control and a stereo cassette.

With the exception of the LX, the original Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable versions contained four cylinder, 2.5 liter and 90 horsepower engines. The mid-sized car needed more power, so most purchasers added the optional 3.0 liter V6 engine.

Mercury Sable limited its output to the equivalent of the Taurus LX and GL versions. The Sable LS was comparable to the Taurus GL.

Ford introduced the Taurus SHO, Super High Output, in 1989. This new version provided a 220 horsepower, 24 valve, 3.0 liter Yamaha engine and a sport suspension system. This model was offered with a five-speed standard transmission. The SHO was not available in an automatic transmission model.

Ford Taurus SHO vs Ford Mustang GT

Two of the greatest cars I’ve ever owned. My 1990 Ford Taurus SHO, highly modified, up against my 2005 Ford Mustang GT, bone stock. Both are five speed manuals. Mustang had 300HP stock (factory crankpower spec). Taurus had roughly 254HP modified (crank horsepower calculation based on dynoplot). I had decided to trim my fleet a bit and list the SHO for sale, $3,000/OBO. After the testdrive here, the buyer said “no negotiations necessary, I’ll give you full asking price.”

In 1990, Ford modified the instrument panel and added the driver’s airbag as a standard feature. The L and GL sedan engines were bolstered by an increase to 115 horsepower.

During the 90’s the Taurus underwent many changes. The auto became distinctive for its oval design features and oval accent. The Taurus SE was introduced in 1995. By 1999, engine sizes and output continued to rise. The SHO now came with a V8 engine. In 1999 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans and wagons received high safety evaluations for their performance in frontal impact testing. Ford gradually did away with the oval design components and dramatically changed the interior options.

The Ford Taurus 2008 models might seem unrecognizable to original Taurus owners. The appearance is dramatically altered. The front end includes a three bar corporate grille. The rear end is changed and the exterior boasts ample doses of chrome. The interior is more thoroughly insulated, protecting against exterior distractions. Comfort has been increased by the improved suspension. The new Taurus has added the Ford Sync electronic system. The standard engine is a V-6 with 263 horsepower to better accommodate Taurus’s full body size. The revamped Taurus line offers a standard or base Tuarus and the SEL model as well as the up-scaled Limited version.

The Mercury Sable resurfaced in 2008 adopting many of the features of the Mercury Montego full size sedan. The Sable Premier is the loaded version of the Sable.

Both the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable have fared well in new car comparisons. New car buyers are impressed with the new-look, economy and safety features standard with both vehicles. Once again, we should expect a resurgence in these two dependable performers.

Photo: sjoerdtenkate

* In Mississipi, contact Darryl Your Car Guy at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury in Gulfport, MS Phone: (479)-283-7147