1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2004 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2004 Smart ForTwo 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 195 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 787 kg more than 2004 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Smart ForTwo is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForTwo. 1996 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2004 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2004 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2004 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Taurus | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 22 L |
