2002 Ford Taurus vs. 2002 Kia Optima
To start off, both 2002 Ford Taurus and 2002 Kia Optima were released in the same year (2002). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2002 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2002 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Taurus weights approximately 45 kg more than 2002 Kia Optima. 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, 2002 Ford Taurus (244 Nm) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Kia Optima. (216 Nm). This means 2002 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Kia Optima. 2002 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2002 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2002 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 2002 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Taurus | Optima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1432 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
