2009 BMW X3 vs. 2004 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 BMW X3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW X3 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW X3 weights approximately 227 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 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, 2009 BMW X3 (305 Nm) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (281 Nm). This means 2009 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW X3 | 2004 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | X3 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1503 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 68 L |
