2008 Ford Taurus X vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 4 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus X (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 286 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
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 X (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 2008 Ford Taurus X has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus X | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus X | GTI |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
