2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2011 Ford Explorer. (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Explorer.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Explorer, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ford Explorer | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | CLS |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5006 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2004 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1788 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
