2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2011 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2011 Kia Sportage 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Sportage (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 83 kg more than 2011 Kia Sportage.
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, 2011 Kia Sportage (358 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2011 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Taurus | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
