The GTP is a rush, pure and simple. The supercharger delivers instant power, and the sport suspension allows aggressive drivers to dive into corners with little worry. None of the Grand Prix sedans we drove felt unbalanced, and only the SE exhibited a tendency to understeer excessively in tight turns. Braking, however, did not inspire confidence. We mashed the pedal of the SE at 70 mph, and not only did it provide little in the way of feel and feedback, but fade was evident before the car came to a halt.
Controls are easy to see and use, with the exception of the stalk-mounted cruise control.
Rear seat comfort is better in the Taurus, and Ford does a better job making controls and switchgear appear richer in function and appearance, but the Grand Prix bests the Taurus in nearly every other category. You will embarrass yourself. Perhaps Ford should have thickened the Taurus rather than go nutso with ovals, because the 1997 Grand Prix easily puts the Taurus to shame in terms of design and driving satisfaction.