2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2003 Porsche 996
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 3,594 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2008 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Porsche 996 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 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, 2003 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2003 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2003 Porsche 996 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2003 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Taurus | 996 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2360 mm |
