2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2011 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2011 Toyota Highlander 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 453 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.
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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2011 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 73 L |
