2000 Ford Taurus vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 9 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (262 HP) has 61 more horse power than 2000 Ford Taurus. (201 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 810 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 2009 Nissan Xterra 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 2009 Nissan Xterra. 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, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Taurus. 2000 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Xterra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Taurus | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 262 HP |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
