2011 Ford Taurus vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 426 kg more than 2005 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ford Taurus | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Taurus | 318 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1821 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5154 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1935 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1542 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2868 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 63 L |
