2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2007 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 2007 Volkswagen Sharan (201 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 254 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 2007 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 2007 Volkswagen Sharan (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 2007 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1839 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
