2008 Ford S-Max vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Ford S-Max is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 72 kg more than 2008 Ford S-Max. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford S-Max, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford S-Max. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2008 Ford S-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-Max | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
