2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
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 CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 412 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | CLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 62 L |
