2000 Ford Taurus vs. 2004 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (296 HP) has 95 more horse power than 2000 Ford Taurus. (201 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 156 kg more than 2000 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (427 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Taurus | 2004 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 296 HP |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
