2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Taurus (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 21 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (281 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1503 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
