2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 63 kg more than 2003 Ford Taurus.
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, 2003 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 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | CLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
