2009 Ford Taurus vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2009 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 603 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 2009 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Nissan 350Z. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
