2005 Ford Taurus vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2005 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 386 kg more than 2005 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Taurus. (266 Nm). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Taurus | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 73 L |
