2009 Ford Taurus X vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus X is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus X (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 418 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus X.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Taurus X. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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 Ford Taurus X (339 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Ford Taurus X has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus X | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus X | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
