2001 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 566 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2324 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2868 mm |
