2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 387 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | CLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 62 L |
