2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2012 Ford Escape
To start off, 2012 Ford Escape is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2012 Ford Escape. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 158 kg more than 2012 Ford Escape. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape, 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Escape. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2012 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | CLS | Escape |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1657 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4437 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
