2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Volkswagen Tiguan (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 67 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 Tiguan 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 Tiguan 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 Tiguan (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tiguan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2000 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 | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1544 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 64 L |
