2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 90 L |
