2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2007 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2007 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 155 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 230 kg more than 2007 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2007 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Toyota Highlander. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 2007 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 72 L |
