What are the horsepower and torque ratings of the Thunderbird SC vs the Taurus SHO?

The Thunderbird SC's supercharged 3.8-liter V6 makes 210 hp @ 4000 rpm and 315 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm; the Taurus SHO's 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 makes 220 hp @ 6000 rpm and 200 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm.

Which car was quicker in the magazine's testing?

The Taurus SHO was slightly quicker: 0-60 in 7.06 seconds and a 15.53 @ 93.4 mph quarter-mile vs. the Thunderbird SC's 7.20 seconds and 15.83 @ 90.2. Figures were obtained with a Vericom Performance Computer.

How much boost does the Thunderbird SC's supercharger make?

Maximum boost is listed as 12 PSI, with an intercooler; the SHO's entry is N/A.

What tires and wheels came on each car?

The Thunderbird SC has 16x7 cast aluminum wheels with P225/60VR16 BSW tires (Eagle GT+4 optional); the Taurus SHO has 15x6 cast aluminum wheels with P215/65VR15 BSW tires. Both have 5 studs.

Was the Taurus SHO available with an automatic transmission according to this article?

No. The article states the T-Bird is the choice if an automatic transmission is required, because the SHO is not offered with one, nor is its torque peak high enough.

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1989 Ford Thunderbird SC vs Taurus SHO Comparison Chart & Specs - Super Ford

Thunderbird SC vs Taurus SHO quick comparison spec chart dimensions chassis engine

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Magazine quick-comparison spec chart pitting the Thunderbird SC against the Taurus SHO: wheelbase, weight, suspension, brakes, engine, and 0-60 performance figures.

AI caption August 2007 · Photo 989 of 1028

This is page 65 of the July 1989 issue of Super Ford magazine, the concluding page of a comparison test between the Ford Thunderbird SC (Super Coupe) and the Ford Taurus SHO. The left half of the page is a 'Quick Comparison Chart' presenting side-by-side specifications: general dimensions (wheelbase, length, weight, fuel capacity), chassis details (suspension types, stabilizer bar sizes, steering ratios, 4-wheel disc brakes, wheels and tires), engine specifications (the SC's supercharged/intercooled 3.8L OHV V6 at 210 hp/315 lb-ft with 12 PSI max boost vs. the SHO's 3.0L 24-valve DOHC V6 at 220 hp/200 lb-ft), and performance figures obtained with a Vericom Performance Computer (0-60: SC 7.20 sec, SHO 7.06 sec; quarter-mile: SC 15.83 @ 90.2, SHO 15.53 @ 93.4). The article text discusses each car's character: the SC as a quiet, torquey, luxurious high-speed cruiser (essentially a bigger Mustang GT) and the only choice for automatic transmission buyers, while the SHO is characterized as 'all engine,' a rev-happy closet racer's stealth machine. A photo shows one of the cars on a winding road. The page provides useful factory-spec reference data for both 1989 models.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the horsepower and torque ratings of the Thunderbird SC vs the Taurus SHO?: The Thunderbird SC's supercharged 3.8-liter V6 makes 210 hp @ 4000 rpm and 315 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm; the Taurus SHO's 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 makes 220 hp @ 6000 rpm and 200 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm.
Which car was quicker in the magazine's testing?: The Taurus SHO was slightly quicker: 0-60 in 7.06 seconds and a 15.53 @ 93.4 mph quarter-mile vs. the Thunderbird SC's 7.20 seconds and 15.83 @ 90.2. Figures were obtained with a Vericom Performance Computer.
How much boost does the Thunderbird SC's supercharger make?: Maximum boost is listed as 12 PSI, with an intercooler; the SHO's entry is N/A.
What tires and wheels came on each car?: The Thunderbird SC has 16x7 cast aluminum wheels with P225/60VR16 BSW tires (Eagle GT+4 optional); the Taurus SHO has 15x6 cast aluminum wheels with P215/65VR15 BSW tires. Both have 5 studs.
Was the Taurus SHO available with an automatic transmission according to this article?: No. The article states the T-Bird is the choice if an automatic transmission is required, because the SHO is not offered with one, nor is its torque peak high enough.