2011 Ford Taurus 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 Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Ford Taurus 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 139 more horse power than 2011 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 86 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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 Taurus, 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 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Taurus. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ford Taurus | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | CLS |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | 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 | 263 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1821 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5154 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1935 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1542 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2868 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
