2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2005 Lexus IS
To start off, 2005 Lexus IS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 45 kg more than 2005 Lexus IS.
Because 2005 Lexus IS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Lexus IS (310 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2005 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2005 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Taurus | IS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 66 L |
