2004 BMW 318 vs. 2000 Ford Taurus

To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Taurus (156 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Taurus weights approximately 131 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2004 BMW 318 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2000 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2004 BMW 318 2000 Ford Taurus
Make BMW Ford
Model 318 Taurus
Year Released 2004 2000
Body Type Station Wagon Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1796 cc 2933 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 113 HP 156 HP
Engine RPM 5750 RPM 4900 RPM
Torque 175 Nm 244 Nm
Torque RPM 3750 RPM 3950 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 88.9 mm
Engine Stroke Size 81 mm 78.7 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 9.3:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1390 kg 1521 kg
Vehicle Length 4480 mm 5030 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1860 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2760 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 68 L