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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 2004 Ford Freestar. (202 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1 kg more than 2004 Ford Freestar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (699 Nm) has 342 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 | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 699 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 | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
