2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2013 Ford Flex
To start off, 2013 Ford Flex is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2013 Ford Flex. (281 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2013 Ford Flex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Flex weights approximately 108 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Ford Flex, 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Ford Flex. (346 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Ford Flex.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2013 Ford Flex | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | CLS | Flex |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5438 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1920 kg | 2028 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5125 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2256 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1726 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2994 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
