2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 648 kg more than 2003 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2881 mm |
