2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 9 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
