2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Toyota Tundra
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tundra 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 4,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tundra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tundra (276 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tundra 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 Tundra.
Because 2012 Toyota Tundra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tundra will offer significantly more control. 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 Toyota Tundra (424 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tundra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 2012 Toyota Tundra | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Tundra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 4664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 424 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| 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 | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 100 L |
