2003 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic 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 17 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 415 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic 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 | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Taurus | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
