2009 Ford Taurus vs. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Prizm would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 124 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
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 Ford Taurus (249 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 2003 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Taurus | Prizm |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2470 mm |
