AUTO: Old Detroit goes head–to–head – Ford Taurus vs. Dodge Charger

The “Big Three” have really picked themselves up by their bootstraps and stepped into the 21st century of automotive design and technology. Both are part of a successful offering in this fast paced, give–me–everything–at–my–fingertips–so–I–can–look–like–I–stepped–out–of–GQ world. Ford and Dodge have taken both concepts seriously; their respective answers in the full–size market are the 2013 Ford Taurus and 2013 Dodge Charger.

The exterior design on both vehicles is actually a couple years old. Both take design cues to their companies’ gangster persona pasts – but the Charger really takes the lead with a strong front facia that is extended and shapelier than the first generation. It also has the “Race Track” LED taillights that seem to have come rout of Star Trek. Meanwhile the sides and interior are reminiscent of the late 60s. Simply: the Charger makes you stop to nod in approval.

The Ford Taurus is no ugly duckling either; you can find strong design characteristics including the slab style and high belt line. For 2013, you have the addition of LED rear brake lights and a refined interior that has taken the path of other vehicles in the Ford fleet like the 2013 Ford Explorer and Ford Flex (see our Ford Family of SUVs article in the March 6 Edition).

Speaking of improvements, both cars have good V6 engine options with the Charger winning the horsepower in both the V6 and V8 (R/T) model. You can also get all–wheel drive in both the Taurus and Charger. One major difference between the Taurus and Charger can be found under the hood. Ford opts to use their EcoBoost™ option for their performance SHO model. While it puts out 365-hp, it isn’t quite the direct power feeling of the V8 HEMI in the Charger that puts out 370-hp. In the V6 models, the Taurus will get you fuel economy rated at 18/26 mpg city/hwy. The Charger will achieve 18/27 mpg city/hwy.

When it comes to creature comforts you can option both cars with almost anything you can think of, from heated and cooled front seats to a touchscreen navigation interface, rear backup camera and even heated seats for your rear passengers. One place the Dodge Charger can’t compete is in the parking lot; the Ford Taurus has the optional Active Park Assist where it will parallel park itself.

In this head to head Detroit rumble, the winner is your pick. I find the Charger more aesthetically pleasing, much easier to see out of better on rear passenger legroom (but then I own a 2013). The Taurus has a more refined look and can carry more in the trunk with one of the largest cargo capacities available in a full-size car. It also has Microsoft SYNC – enough said. In the end, it comes down one question: MOPAR or Blue Oval?