2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2011 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2011 Dodge Nitro is newer by 7 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Nitro (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 247 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 2011 Dodge Nitro 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 2011 Dodge Nitro. 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, 2011 Dodge Nitro (359 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2011 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Taurus | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4544 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1791 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2764 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 74 L |
