2009 Ford Flex vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Ford Flex is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Flex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 444 kg more than 2009 Ford Flex.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex, 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, 2009 Ford Flex (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Flex | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Flex | C |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
