2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2012 Subaru Outback 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Outback (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Outback weights approximately 74 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 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2012 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Taurus | Outback |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1659 kg |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
