2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 687 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1989 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1989 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2480 mm |
