1998 Ford Taurus
http://www.wordout.com.au/articles/19/1/1998-Ford-Taurus/Page1.html
By Chris Mason
Published on 20th July, 2008
(the FFV Taurus was tested on both E85 and gasoline), explained briefly below.
Acceleration: Three tests performed (1) elapsed time from a standstill to 60 mph at wide open throttle, loaded and unloaded; (2) elapsed time from 40 to 60 mph at wide open throttle (passing simulation); (3) elapsed time and maximum speed at a quarter mile. Values are the average of six measurements. Braking: Dry surface is concrete, wet surface is low friction Jennite pad. Minimum stopping distance from 62 mph on dry surface, and from 31 mph on wet surface with no wheels locked. Panic stops are minimum measured distance from 31 mph on wet and dry surfaces at maximum pedal pressure with no attempt to steer. Values are the average of six stops.
Acceleration: Three tests performed (1) elapsed time from a standstill to 60 mph at wide open throttle, loaded and unloaded; (2) elapsed time from 40 to 60 mph at wide open throttle (passing simulation); (3) elapsed time and maximum speed at a quarter mile. Values are the average of six measurements. Braking: Dry surface is concrete, wet surface is low friction Jennite pad. Minimum stopping distance from 62 mph on dry surface, and from 31 mph on wet surface with no wheels locked. Panic stops are minimum measured distance from 31 mph on wet and dry surfaces at maximum pedal pressure with no attempt to steer. Values are the average of six stops.
1998 Tauruses: an E85 FFV
This comparison shows the differences between a standard model (petrol only) and a flex fuel capable vehicle running both E85 and regular ULP.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is promoting the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). To support this activity, DOE has directed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to conduct projects to evaluate the performance and acceptability of light-duty AFVs. We tested a pair of 1998 Tauruses: an E85 FFV and a gasoline model as closely matched as possible.
Each vehicle was run through a series of tests (the FFV Taurus was tested on both E85 and gasoline), explained briefly below. Each of these procedures has a page, on the vehicle evaluation Web site, with
detailed descriptions.
Acceleration: Three tests performed
(1) elapsed time from a standstill to 60 mph at wide open throttle, loaded and unloaded;
(2) elapsed time from 40 to 60 mph at wide open throttle (passing simulation);
(3) elapsed time and maximum speed at a quarter mile. Values are the average of six measurements.
Braking: Dry surface is concrete, wet surface is low friction Jennite pad. Minimum stopping distance from 62 mph on dry surface, and from 31 mph on wet surface with no wheels locked. Panic stops are minimum measured distance from 31 mph on wet and dry surfaces at maximum pedal pressure with no attempt to steer. Values are the average of six
stops.
Fuel Economy: City fuel economy determined using an urban driving cycle—a distance of 2 miles with 8 stops. Highway fuel economy used a 70-mph average driving cycle with no stops. The 150-mile trip alternated between urban and highway cycles until 150 miles was reached. Results are reported in 70% highway driving for total trip. Cold Start: Vehicle placed in a temperaturecontrolled room at -20°F for first test (minimum
soak time 12 hr*). Crank time and idle rating recorded. If start successful, procedure repeated at -20°F for confirmation. If start unsuccessful,
procedure repeated at higher temperature until minimum temperature is determined. Driveability and Handling: Four different drivers rated each aspect of the vehicles; final rating is average of the four. information on aftermarket conversion to flexfuel capability so you can run your car on E85 85% ethonol fuel
Emissions: Duplicate tests performed on each vehicle using EPA’s Federal Test Procedure.
The FFV Taurus was tested on both E85 and RF-A (industry average gasoline), and the gasoline Taurus was tested on RF-A.
*Soak time allows the vehicle to stabilize at a given temperature.
The 1998 Ford Taurus is available with an optional 3.0 liter, V6 engine capable of operating on E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), unleaded gasoline, or any blend of the two. Ford has offered an E85 Taurus in its AFV lineup since 1994. These flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) give the driver the convenience of fueling with gasoline where E85 is not available. A sensor monitors the fuel composition and sends the information to the on-board computer, which automatically adjusts the air-fuel ratio to optimize its performance on the current mix of fuel. The estimated driving
range for the FFV Taurus operating on E85 is 250–340 miles, and on gasoline it is 340–470 miles. Several design changes were necessary to allow for operation on alcohol fuels. These changes include a unique block material, exhaust valve seat inserts, wear resistant rings, alcohol-compatible fuel injectors specially designed for high flows, increased volume evaporative canister, a stainless steel fuel system, and unique engine calibration for ethanol operation.
FFV Taurus Gasoline Taurus
General Description
Engine:
Displacement 3.0 liter 3.0 liter
Configuration V6 V6
Transmission 4-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Fuel System Sequential electronic Sequential electronic
fuel injection fuel injection
Engine Family Code WFMXV03.0AEA WFMXV03.0DAA
Capacities:
Fuel 18 gal 16 gal
Passengers 2-3 front/3 rear 2-3 front/3 rear
Trunk Space (cu. ft.) 15.8 15.8
Dimensions:
Length 197.5 in 197.5in
Width 73.0 in 73.0 in
GVWR* 4722 4722
*gross vehicle weight rating
Other Options:
Both vehicles were front wheel drive sedans equipped with air conditioning, power steering, anti-lock brakes, power door locks and windows, tilt wheel, and cruise control. The gasoline Taurus was also equipped with a power adjusted bucket drivers seat.
This fact sheet was prepared by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy Laboratory operated by Midwest Research Institute • Battelle • Bechtel
June 1999 NREL/FS-540-26578
Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste
FACT SHEET
Ethanol-Fueled Sedan
Ford Taurus
The 1998 Ford Taurus is available with an optional 3.0 liter, V6 engine capable of operating on E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), unleaded gasoline, or any blend of the two. Ford has offered an E85 Taurus in its AFV lineup since 1994. These flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) give the driver the convenience of fueling with gasoline where E85 is not available. A sensor monitors the fuel composition and sends the information to the on-board computer, which automatically adjusts the air-fuel ratio to optimize its performance on the current mix of fuel. The estimated driving
range for the FFV Taurus operating on E85 is 250–340 miles, and on gasoline it is 340–470 miles. Several design changes were necessary to allow for operation on alcohol fuels. These changes include a unique block material, exhaust valve seat inserts, wearresistant rings, alcohol-compatible fuel injectors specially designed for high flows, increased volume evaporative canister, a stainless steel fuel system, and unique engine calibration for ethanol operation.
We are interested in any other side by side comparisons that have been done on flex-fuel capable vehicles
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is promoting the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). To support this activity, DOE has directed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to conduct projects to evaluate the performance and acceptability of light-duty AFVs. We tested a pair of 1998 Tauruses: an E85 FFV and a gasoline model as closely matched as possible.
Each vehicle was run through a series of tests (the FFV Taurus was tested on both E85 and gasoline), explained briefly below. Each of these procedures has a page, on the vehicle evaluation Web site, with
detailed descriptions.
Acceleration: Three tests performed
(1) elapsed time from a standstill to 60 mph at wide open throttle, loaded and unloaded;
(2) elapsed time from 40 to 60 mph at wide open throttle (passing simulation);
(3) elapsed time and maximum speed at a quarter mile. Values are the average of six measurements.
Braking: Dry surface is concrete, wet surface is low friction Jennite pad. Minimum stopping distance from 62 mph on dry surface, and from 31 mph on wet surface with no wheels locked. Panic stops are minimum measured distance from 31 mph on wet and dry surfaces at maximum pedal pressure with no attempt to steer. Values are the average of six
stops.
Fuel Economy: City fuel economy determined using an urban driving cycle—a distance of 2 miles with 8 stops. Highway fuel economy used a 70-mph average driving cycle with no stops. The 150-mile trip alternated between urban and highway cycles until 150 miles was reached. Results are reported in 70% highway driving for total trip. Cold Start: Vehicle placed in a temperaturecontrolled room at -20°F for first test (minimum
soak time 12 hr*). Crank time and idle rating recorded. If start successful, procedure repeated at -20°F for confirmation. If start unsuccessful,
procedure repeated at higher temperature until minimum temperature is determined. Driveability and Handling: Four different drivers rated each aspect of the vehicles; final rating is average of the four. information on aftermarket conversion to flexfuel capability so you can run your car on E85 85% ethonol fuel
Emissions: Duplicate tests performed on each vehicle using EPA’s Federal Test Procedure.
The FFV Taurus was tested on both E85 and RF-A (industry average gasoline), and the gasoline Taurus was tested on RF-A.
*Soak time allows the vehicle to stabilize at a given temperature.
The 1998 Ford Taurus is available with an optional 3.0 liter, V6 engine capable of operating on E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), unleaded gasoline, or any blend of the two. Ford has offered an E85 Taurus in its AFV lineup since 1994. These flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) give the driver the convenience of fueling with gasoline where E85 is not available. A sensor monitors the fuel composition and sends the information to the on-board computer, which automatically adjusts the air-fuel ratio to optimize its performance on the current mix of fuel. The estimated driving
range for the FFV Taurus operating on E85 is 250–340 miles, and on gasoline it is 340–470 miles. Several design changes were necessary to allow for operation on alcohol fuels. These changes include a unique block material, exhaust valve seat inserts, wear resistant rings, alcohol-compatible fuel injectors specially designed for high flows, increased volume evaporative canister, a stainless steel fuel system, and unique engine calibration for ethanol operation.
FFV Taurus Gasoline Taurus General Description
Engine:
Displacement 3.0 liter 3.0 liter
Configuration V6 V6
Transmission 4-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Fuel System Sequential electronic Sequential electronic
fuel injection fuel injection
Engine Family Code WFMXV03.0AEA WFMXV03.0DAA
Capacities:
Fuel 18 gal 16 gal
Passengers 2-3 front/3 rear 2-3 front/3 rear
Trunk Space (cu. ft.) 15.8 15.8
Dimensions:
Length 197.5 in 197.5in
Width 73.0 in 73.0 in
GVWR* 4722 4722
*gross vehicle weight rating
Other Options:
Both vehicles were front wheel drive sedans equipped with air conditioning, power steering, anti-lock brakes, power door locks and windows, tilt wheel, and cruise control. The gasoline Taurus was also equipped with a power adjusted bucket drivers seat.
This fact sheet was prepared by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy Laboratory operated by Midwest Research Institute • Battelle • Bechtel
June 1999 NREL/FS-540-26578
Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste
FACT SHEET
Ethanol-Fueled Sedan
Ford Taurus
The 1998 Ford Taurus is available with an optional 3.0 liter, V6 engine capable of operating on E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), unleaded gasoline, or any blend of the two. Ford has offered an E85 Taurus in its AFV lineup since 1994. These flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) give the driver the convenience of fueling with gasoline where E85 is not available. A sensor monitors the fuel composition and sends the information to the on-board computer, which automatically adjusts the air-fuel ratio to optimize its performance on the current mix of fuel. The estimated driving
range for the FFV Taurus operating on E85 is 250–340 miles, and on gasoline it is 340–470 miles. Several design changes were necessary to allow for operation on alcohol fuels. These changes include a unique block material, exhaust valve seat inserts, wearresistant rings, alcohol-compatible fuel injectors specially designed for high flows, increased volume evaporative canister, a stainless steel fuel system, and unique engine calibration for ethanol operation.
We are interested in any other side by side comparisons that have been done on flex-fuel capable vehicles