2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 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 50 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (160 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 427 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | CLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 62 L |
