2006 BMW 320 vs. 2003 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 43 kg more than 2003 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 320 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 2006 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 320. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 320 | 2003 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
