weasel Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 I am a little perplexed. The Flex has the same engine, transmission etc. I thought that the only real difference was the fact that the chassis is stretched a bit and the inside/outside cosmetics. That said is there something I am missing ?? I just cannot understand that it has 1000lb higher towing capacity than the Edge/MKX/CX-9. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waldo Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 The Flex chassis has NOTHING in common with the Edge. The Flex is a stretched out Taurus X, not Edge. But both the Edge and Flex are built on the same line in Oakville. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 The Flex chassis has NOTHING in common with the Edge. The Flex is a stretched out Taurus X, not Edge. But both the Edge and Flex are built on the same line in Oakville. Edge - CD3 - derived from Fusion platform which was derived from the old Mazda6 platform. Flex - D4. Larger, derived from Volvo S80 platform. Apples and oranges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldy Posted October 15, 2009 Report Share Posted October 15, 2009 I am a little perplexed. The Flex has the same engine, transmission etc. I thought that the only real difference was the fact that the chassis is stretched a bit and the inside/outside cosmetics. That said is there something I am missing ?? I just cannot understand that it has 1000lb higher towing capacity than the Edge/MKX/CX-9. Hey Weasel. I'm not an expert on this....but I had similar thoughts way back when I owned a 1990 Bronco (351W) and wasn't at first clear why it had a lower tow rating than an F250 also w/ a 351W. Beyond the engine, there's something called 'frontal area'. Not really sure what it means, but I do believe it has something to do with figuring out max. tow capacities....brakes, suspension, and chassis may also come into place. Again, I'm not expert, but these things may also help determine the Tow capacity of a specific vehicle. Note: would you happen to know if the transmissions or other drive train components are maybe beefed up a bit on the Flex? May a larger cooling system...transmission cooler...? Things to think about. I have in the past exceeded the tow limit of my Bronco. Power and driving in general didn't seem to be a problem, if it was not windy. Though, stopping was a trouser filling experience at times. I guess my thoughts are not to exceed the manufacturer's stated tow limits...not worth the safety risk IMO. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weasel Posted October 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2009 Makes sense if the vehicles are on different platforms. Thanks guys .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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