2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 763 kg more than 2012 Ford Explorer.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC (351 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | CLC | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
