2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 393 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 78 kg more than 2008 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 656 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | CL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 603 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 2155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 88 L |
