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How much horsepower does a 1986 Ford Taurus have?

In 1986, the Ford Taurus offered two engines, so horsepower ranged from about 100 horsepower with the four-cylinder to about 140 horsepower with the V6 option.


The 1986 Taurus marked Ford’s bold entry into a new generation of front-wheel-drive sedans. Buyers could choose between a smaller four-cylinder and a larger V6, and those choices directly affected the car’s power output. The following breakdown summarizes the engines available for the first-year Taurus and their approximate horsepower ratings.


Engine options


Below is a concise list of the engines offered for the 1986 Taurus and the horsepower each produced, reflecting the factory ratings from that era.



  • 2.5-liter inline-four (I4) – approximately 100 horsepower

  • 3.0-liter Vulcan V6 – approximately 140 horsepower


The differences in horsepower between these two options illustrate the trade-off between fuel efficiency and performance that defined the Taurus lineup in its debut year.


Notes on horsepower figures


Horsepower figures for 1986 model-year cars are manufacturer ratings from that period and may vary slightly by market or emission-control configuration. Real-world performance could differ based on maintenance, drivetrain condition, and testing method.


Summary: The 1986 Ford Taurus offered two engine choices with distinct horsepower outputs—about 100 hp from the 2.5-liter I4 and about 140 hp from the 3.0-liter Vulcan V6—providing buyers with a practical range of performance for a family sedan of that era.

How much did a Ford Taurus cost in 1986?


The Taurus is competitive with European sedans as well. In performance, handling, ride, fuel economy, and utility, it is as good as or better than the Audi 5000S and the BMW 528e. And while the Audi costs $18,065 and the BMW $26,280, the Taurus LX can be had for $13,351.



How much horsepower does a 1988 Ford Taurus have?


Ford's 3.8-liter Essex V6 was added to the lineup in 1988 as the top of the line engine optional on the LX and GL. Although the power output was rated at the same 140 hp (100 kW) as the 3.0-liter engine, this V6 produced 215 ft·lbf (291 N·m) of torque.



Which Ford Taurus had a V8?


Third generation (1996–1999)

Third generation
Engine3.4 L SHO V8
Transmission4-speed AX4N automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase108.5 in (2,756 mm)



Is the Ford Taurus a fast car?


The 2017 Ford Taurus is no slouch with a standard 288-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. That's a lot of power, and the new Taurus has plenty of stomp to get you up that hill or merged onto the Interstate. It's no sports sedan and it won't slay a BMW 5 Series in the curves but getting up to speed is never a concern.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.