2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1997 Ford Escort
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Escort 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 81 more horse power than 1997 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 397 kg more than 1997 Ford Escort. 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 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Escort. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Escort 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 | 1997 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Escort |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
