2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 9 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, 2012 Kia Optima (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 15 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima.
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, 2012 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Taurus | Optima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
