2009 Ford Escape vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (470 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 2009 Ford Escape. (171 HP @ 6550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 954 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 398 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Escape. (302 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Escape | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escape | CLS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2975 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6550 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 13.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
