1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2004 Honda Element
To start off, 2004 Honda Element is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2004 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 7 kg more than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Because 2004 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Ford Taurus (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2004 Honda Element | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Taurus | Element |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1599 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
