2009 Ford Taurus vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 4,171 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2009 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1056 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 4171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 2166 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 90 L |
