1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 208 kg more than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Taurus | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Taurus | CLS |
Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3392 cc | 2143 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 235 HP | 201 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 500 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |