2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Sharan 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 7 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 193 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus.
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 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan 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 | 2001 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
