2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2004 Kia Spectra
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 Spectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Kia Spectra would be higher. At 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2004 Kia Spectra. (124 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Spectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Spectra weights approximately 117 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Kia Spectra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Spectra. (161 Nm). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Spectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2004 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Taurus | Spectra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 50 L |
