2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS (511 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 367 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm) has 419 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (281 Nm). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | CLS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 511 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1503 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1406 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2874 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.6 L/100km |
