2009 Ford Escape vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 699 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape, 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, 2009 Ford Escape (302 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Escape | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escape | CLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2975 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6550 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
