2003 Ford Taurus vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 643 kg more than 1990 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
