2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2004 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Altima weights approximately 271 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 Nissan Altima. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2004 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 76 L |
