2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 8 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (240 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 388 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 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (299 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Taurus | X3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 67 L |
