2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz R would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 1329 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | R |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 2295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3220 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
