2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (160 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 255 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2004 Ford Taurus (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2012 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2012 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 79 L |
