2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 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 41 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 295 kg more than 2001 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 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 | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
