1997 Ford F-250 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford F-250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford F-250 would be higher. At 6,800 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford F-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1997 Ford F-250. (306 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford F-250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford F-250 weights approximately 490 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 1997 Ford F-250 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-250 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford F-250. (575 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford F-250.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford F-250 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F-250 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6800 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2380 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5760 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2875 mm |
