2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Explorer 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 91 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 834 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | CLS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
