2008 Ford Taurus X vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Taurus X. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Taurus X would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Ford Taurus X. (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Taurus X. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 225 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus X. (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus X | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus X | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 73 L |
