2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2011 Ford C-Max
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 C-Max. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Ford C-Max 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 307 more horse power than 2011 Ford C-Max. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford C-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 340 kg more than 2011 Ford C-Max. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 C-Max, 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 370 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford C-Max. (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford C-Max. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2011 Ford C-Max has manual transmission. 2011 Ford C-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2011 Ford C-Max | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | CLS | C-Max |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1828 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2788 mm |
