2001 Ford Taurus vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2001 Ford Taurus. (201 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 145 kg more than 2001 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Taurus. (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Taurus | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | CLK |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
