1998 Ford Taurus vs. 2004 Ford Five Hundred
To start off, 2004 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Taurus (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2004 Ford Five Hundred. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Five Hundred.
Because 2004 Ford Five Hundred is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Five Hundred 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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Taurus. (264 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Taurus | 2004 Ford Five Hundred | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Five Hundred |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
