2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (211 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 819 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.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
