2009 Nissan Maxima vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Maxima would be higher. Both 2009 Nissan Maxima and 2012 Ford Taurus are equipped with a 3,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2012 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 204 kg more than 2009 Nissan Maxima.
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 Nissan Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Taurus. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Maxima | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | Maxima | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4841 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 72 L |
