2009 Ford Flex vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Ford Flex is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 Ford Flex. (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Flex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 859 kg more than 2009 Ford Flex. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Ford Flex is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex 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 SL (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Flex. (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Flex.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Flex | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Flex | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
