2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2008 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1315 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (459 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | GL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 2425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 100 L |
