2002 Ford Explorer vs. 2004 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 462 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Ford Explorer 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 2002 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2002 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 2004 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Explorer | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 68 L |
