2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is newer by 8 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, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 12 kg more than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Because 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 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 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 | 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Taurus | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1573 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 66 L |
