2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 589 kg more than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Suzuki Vitara 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, 1996 Suzuki Vitara 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, 2004 Ford Taurus (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1996 Suzuki Vitara has manual transmission. 1996 Suzuki Vitara 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 | 1996 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Taurus | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 42 L |
