2000 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 12 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Taurus (154 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (150 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 68 kg more than 2000 Ford Taurus.
Because 2012 Lexus IS 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 2012 Lexus IS. 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, 2012 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Taurus | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Taurus | IS |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
