2009 Ford Taurus vs. 2005 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Toyota Highlander 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 (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Highlander. (230 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 819 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 2005 Toyota Highlander 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, 2005 Toyota Highlander 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, 2005 Toyota Highlander (343 Nm) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm). This means 2005 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 2005 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3309 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 73 L |
