2004 Ford Freestar vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Freestar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Freestar would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2004 Ford Freestar. (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Freestar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Freestar weights approximately 49 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Freestar, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Freestar. (357 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Freestar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Freestar | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Freestar | CLS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
