2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 10 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 225 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
