2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 505 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 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.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Taurus | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
Make | Ford | Toyota |
Model | Taurus | Tacoma |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2694 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 155 HP | 159 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 244 Nm | 244 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1080 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4840 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1680 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2790 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 79 L |