2000 Ford Taurus vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2000 Ford Taurus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Taurus (154 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 23 kg more than 2000 Ford Taurus.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2000 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Taurus | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | CLK |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
