2010 Ford Taurus SHO Vs. Hyundai Genesis V8

(Ford Taurus SHO: Starting at $37,170)

These two brand re-defining luxury/sport sedans are so near identical in base MSRP and performance a comparison between the two seems very obvious. Yet in many media publications they are trying to turn the Genesis V8 into some sort of nouveau riche sort of Lexus LS.

And what are they doing to the SHO? They are lining up comparison tests with V8 BMWs. Now is that fair to test these fresh from the factory performance machines against competition that has stood the test of decades? Plus, Lexus and BMW charges way more money! Remember money? The stuff you probably don't have right now?

The engine in the Taurus SHO is a little different but you may have heard of it as it was the first application of Ford's new ECOBOOST engine technology which takes their standard 3.5 liter 6 cylinder and adds turbocharging and direct-injection to improve performance and fuel economy. So even though the ECOBOOST gets over 100 horsepower more than the standard engine its fuel efficiency is apparently very close to the same. (Hey, progress not perfection. 364 horsepower is 364 horsepower.)

While both of these sedans are rather conservatively styled, both look very good in either light or dark metallics which is a sign of a good automotive design. The Genesis is a bit more classical like you would take it to the Opera and then brag to your friends how you afforded your own luxury box with the money you saved. The SHO, on the other hand, is a sportier design. One that will look as at home in your driveway or at the country club. (The trunks in both are huge and can carry four golf bags or bodies, whichever you prefer.)

The interior of the Genesis is simplicity in itself with one button on the center console to control navigation and a limited number of buttons scattered around the dash. If you are older and have trouble finding small controls this might be a good car for you. Everything from the metal shift knob to the radio is made of first class materials and proves Hyundai has come a long way. Even the TAU V8 growls and performs like you would hope any 8 cylinder engine would.

The SHO, despite its similar price and similar power is the car to have if you have a soul and don't give a rat what your friends or neighbors think. One minute behind the wheel taking in the dashboard with its forward leaning Starship Enterprise motif that may be the future in good posture. This car is just different from the materials used to the dials to even the shift lever. It is all solidly put together. And this is a Ford?

It appears that the two brands who were 10 years battling it up from the bottom have now finally surfaced with some world class automobiles. I just think if Hyundai had been a little braver and given the Genesis a bit more spunk visually and performance wise it would be a bigger hit. Maybe the Genesis could borrow some from the SHO. I am sure he got some more.