2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Volvo V40
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V40 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 (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1996 Volvo V40. (138 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo V40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 247 kg more than 1996 Volvo V40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo V40. (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo V40. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo V40 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo V40 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 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Taurus | V40 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2570 mm |
