2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2004 Kia Optima
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Kia Optima would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2004 Kia Optima. (170 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Optima weights approximately 377 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Optima. (245 Nm). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2004 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Taurus | Optima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 2671 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 65 L |
