2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima is newer by 7 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, 2010 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 187 kg more than 2010 Nissan Altima.
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, both vehicles can yield 244 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2010 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2010 Nissan Altima 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 | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| 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 | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
