Topic: Test Drive: 2016 Ford Flex Limited

[Jaeger]

I find it hard to believe that a 375hp V8 Challenger could be left in the dust by a 365hp Flex loaded down with a family unless...

I don't.  The Flex is seriously quick, puts its power down more reliably / consistently and probably caught the Challenger driver in a state of ill-informed overconfidence.  More than one knuckle-dragging Neanderthal has been embarrassed by a V6 Camry for the same reason - it's a damned sight quicker than they think.

[Fobroader]

Great article, very entertaining. When this thing first came out, I was not a fan, now, the space, that Ecoboost engine and the fact it doesn't look like a shapeless blob of silver like most of its competitors has really changed my outlook on it.

[mmret]

Its also very amenable to Lego recreations.

[tooscoops]

yeah, and usual machismo will make a guy in a challenger just let off the gas right away if he doesn't get the jump of a family hauler. could happen. normally though, no, the flex should not have a chance in that situation.

anywho, i think these are an interesting truck. expensive, but most things are that have comparable size and equipment.

[Fobroader]

Ford Flex Ecoboost AWD Curb Weight:  4828lbs
Flex Power: 365 hp @ 5500 rpm
Flex Torque: 350 ft-lbs @ 1500 rpm

Dodge Challenger R/T Curb Weight: 4082lbs.
Challenger Power: 375 hp @ 5150 rpm
Challenger Torque: 410 ft-lbs @ 4300 rpm


That's an 800lb difference in curb weight alone.  Factor in an additional few hundred pounds for the family that CC had in his rental Flex, and I again find it hard to believe that a Flex would walk away from a Challenger R/T.  Yeah, the Hemi isn't known for its low down torque, but it makes MORE peak torque, and MORE HP, with lower weight.  Even accounting for drive ratios, the Flex does not beat a Challenger R/T.

I think the poster's story is a case of the fish growing with the telling.

Unless the numpty driving the Challenger slammed his foot through the floor, spun and the Edge got ahead.

[Blueprint]

I find it hard to believe that a 375hp V8 Challenger could be left in the dust by a 365hp Flex loaded down with a family unless:

I dunno. The Challenger is a pig so the weight difference isn't that much.  Shorter gearing, AWD and low RPM torque could at least make it close.

It could have been the special edition Pentastar Challenger, with R/T hood, R/T wheels and R/T badges.

[evil_twin]

Could also have been a manual.

It would not surprise me if 90% of drivers were faster 0-100 in an auto Flex over a manual Challenger....at all.

[Gurgie]

I find it hard to believe that a 375hp V8 Challenger could be left in the dust by a 365hp Flex loaded down with a family unless:

I dunno. The Challenger is a pig so the weight difference isn't that much.  Shorter gearing, AWD and low RPM torque could at least make it close.

It could have been the special edition Pentastar Challenger, with R/T hood, R/T wheels and R/T badges.

         I see what you did there!!!  Brilliant!!   

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Not sure if it's still the case, but the Challenger R/T was roughly as quick 0-60 as the V6 Mustang. In either case, it should have been a bit quicker than a loaded up Flex.

Having said that, the Flex accelerates much better than it has any right to, which makes it entertaining, if a bit heavy on fuel.

[mixmanmash]

Ford Flex Ecoboost AWD Curb Weight:  4828lbs
Flex Power: 365 hp @ 5500 rpm
Flex Torque: 350 ft-lbs @ 1500 rpm

Dodge Challenger R/T Curb Weight: 4082lbs.
Challenger Power: 375 hp @ 5150 rpm
Challenger Torque: 410 ft-lbs @ 4300 rpm


That's an 800lb difference in curb weight alone.  Factor in an additional few hundred pounds for the family that CC had in his rental Flex, and I again find it hard to believe that a Flex would walk away from a Challenger R/T.  Yeah, the Hemi isn't known for its low down torque, but it makes MORE peak torque, and MORE HP, with lower weight.  Even accounting for drive ratios, the Flex does not beat a Challenger R/T.

I think the poster's story is a case of the fish growing with the telling.

Unless the numpty driving the Challenger slammed his foot through the floor, spun and the Edge got ahead.

This.  And AWD traction.

I regularly get beat by stock Honda Civic's even though my 300ZX makes 547 hp on pump 94 to the rear wheels.  That reminds me, I should set up gear based boost and traction control on my Haltech ECU.  Full boost in 1st and 2nd gear is pretty useless in that car.

Now, put that on the 1/4 mile strip with good track preparation (lay down that VHT!) and some sticky tires and it's a different story.

[EV-Light]

Flex:

Zero to 60 mph: 5.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 14.2 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 23.0 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 4.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.2 sec @ 100 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 122 mph

Challenger v6
Zero to 60 mph: 6.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 15.5 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 19.6 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.7 sec @ 97 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 119 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 162 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 graking, 70-0 mph: 176 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.81 g

Challenger V8 manual
ero to 60 mph: 5.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 13.0 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 24.8 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.6 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 12.8 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 12.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.7 sec @ 103 mph
Top speed (electronically limited, mfr's est): 155 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 167 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Fobroader]

Sweet jaysus.....this heavy and luxo family wagon does a low 14 sec 1/4 mile  I wonder what it would do with a tune and some exhaust  "BRB with your Flex hon, just going to the friday night street legals to beat up on some Challengers and 4.6 Mustangs".

[mmret]

I wanna see a tuned Flex throw down with an R63 AMG.

[Fobroader]

I wanna see a tuned Flex throw down with an R63 AMG.

The ultimate battle of "heh, look at that guy, I wonder if his wife knows hes got her car at the drag str.....HOLY S$%T DID YOU SEE THAT THING GO!!" vehicles.

[mmret]

I think owning an R63 is a life goal of mine. It's sheer ridiculous frivolity wrapped up with low key anonymous practicality. Would be an amazing feeling.

[OliverD]

I wish the R63 was available in the blander but more attractive facelifted version of the R-class.

[Fobroader]

I think owning an R63 is a life goal of mine. It's sheer ridiculous frivolity wrapped up with low key anonymous practicality. Would be an amazing feeling.

I agree, first time I saw one of those I was like why? But then I was like why the hell not?!?!?! Instead of being sentenced to a lame fwd minivan, that thing would be a hoot to drive.....if you can swing the FGC experience.

[evil_twin]

I think owning an R63 is a life goal of mine. It's sheer ridiculous frivolity wrapped up with low key anonymous practicality. Would be an amazing feeling.

I agree, first time I saw one of those I was like why? But then I was like why the hell not?!?!?! Instead of being sentenced to a lame fwd minivan, that thing would be a hoot to drive.....if you can swing the FGC experience.

My impression was the R-class was a bit of a nightmare...even by FGC standards.   But still, yes, would be heck of an unusual beast to pilot the suburbs in.

Dodge seems like the ideal candidate to build a ridiculous AWD SRT Hellcat Caravan.  I feel like that baby would sell in a limited production run.  Maybe help them move some higher margin options in that product line from trickle down envy.

[mmret]

I think owning an R63 is a life goal of mine. It's sheer ridiculous frivolity wrapped up with low key anonymous practicality. Would be an amazing feeling.

I agree, first time I saw one of those I was like why? But then I was like why the hell not?!?!?! Instead of being sentenced to a lame fwd minivan, that thing would be a hoot to drive.....if you can swing the FGC experience.

What, you don't want to work in this engine bay?


work of art, that. Scary as , but a work of art nonetheless.


I guess the only okay thing about being sentenced to a lameo FWD minivan is that at least the Honda V6 is pretty good, and it won't break...

[Fobroader]

I think owning an R63 is a life goal of mine. It's sheer ridiculous frivolity wrapped up with low key anonymous practicality. Would be an amazing feeling.

I agree, first time I saw one of those I was like why? But then I was like why the hell not?!?!?! Instead of being sentenced to a lame fwd minivan, that thing would be a hoot to drive.....if you can swing the FGC experience.

My impression was the R-class was a bit of a nightmare...even by FGC standards.   But still, yes, would be heck of an unusual beast to pilot the suburbs in.

Dodge seems like the ideal candidate to build a ridiculous AWD SRT Hellcat Caravan.  I feel like that baby would sell in a limited production run.  Maybe help them move some higher margin options in that product line from trickle down envy.

 

That would be spectacular!!!!! Like a redneck Renault Espace F1 hahahaha