Ford Taurus And Volvo 850...Continued

Both the Ford Taurus and its sister the Mercury Sable are nearly identical and powered by a 3.0-liter , 6-cylinder mounted transversely . The LX model comes standard with a powerful twin-cam 6-cylinder with 4 valves per cylinder and 200 horsepower (hp). The 4-speed automatic transmission is new and quick to respond.

Volvo's 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder engine is also mounted transversely with twin-cams and 4 valves per cylinder. Volvo's engine is available with or without turbo-charger in 3 power levels; 168 hp, 222 hp and 240 hp. The naturally aspirated 168 hp available in the Volvo 850 GLT wagon is plenty. Power trains available include a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Volvo's 4-speed offers three selectable transmission shift modes: economy, sport and winter.

As with the best sports cars, these station wagons have independent front and rear suspensions . Ford's is tuned to be a softer, more comfortable, easy-going ride while the Volvo's is firmer and sportier.

The Taurus at approximately 200 inches is about 15 inches longer than the Volvo. Those extra inches give the Ford a more luxurious ride and ample room for a third rear-facing row of seats that costs around $200 extra. Volvo also offers a dealer installed rear-facing seat. Both seats are for passengers weighing less than 90 pounds. At the maximum, the Volvo seats 5 adults and 2 children; the Ford can seat 6 adults and 2 children.

When it comes to styling on these vehicles you have two distinct recurring patterns. The Volvo has square, boxy styling cues enhanced by elegant body lines. The square repeats itself on the dashboard, the fans, the windows, the bumpers and the lights. The Ford, on the other hand, repeats an oval shape. The oval theme is found over and over from the windows, to the door handles, lights, radio, fans, dashboard and the glove box. Ford's use of the oval is most dramatic in the way it is repeated throughout the entire body.

You may wonder whether you are a square or oval buyer? The Lincoln-like comfort of the Taurus/Sable appeals to the mature driver. The Volvo will definitely appeal to those who desire an extremely sporty and nimble station wagon. The 850 is loaded with luxury gadgets, like a dual zone air conditioning, front seat side impact air bags, telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats, heated head light washer/wipers, traction control, memory 8-way drivers and passenger seat controls, auto leveling, trip computer, rear fog lights and sport suspension.