2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 744 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.4 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 17.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
