2002 Ford Taurus vs. 2009 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Maxima is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2002 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 140 kg more than 2002 Ford Taurus. 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, 2009 Nissan Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 2009 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
