2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2012 Ford Escape
To start off, 2012 Ford Escape is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 199 kg more than 2012 Ford Escape.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Escape. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Escape. 2012 Ford Escape has automatic transmission and 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Escape will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2012 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | CLK | Escape |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1466 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4437 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 66 L |
