2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, both 2003 Ford Taurus and 2003 Lexus IS were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 63 kg more than 2003 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Lexus IS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Lexus IS (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Taurus | IS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 66 L |
