2006 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 2013 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2013 Ford Explorer is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (302 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2013 Ford Explorer. (286 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2013 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 404 kg more than 2013 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (700 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Ford Explorer. (346 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | 2013 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | GL | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.8: 1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2550 kg | 2146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 2291 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1803 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
