2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 5 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 420 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Polo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1421 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
