Originally Posted by drzoidberg

I'm renting a 2011 MKZ again this weekend (looks suspiciously like the one I first drove when it was brand new, haha), and after having driven the Ford Fusion SE back to back, I can make a better comparison. While the Fusion felt peppier with its 4-cylinder, the MKZ's emphasis is on a vault-like quiet interior with effortless and smooth power for seamless passing. While the MKZ doesn't feel quite as "fast" as the 4-cyl Fusion, the engine feels more comprehensive and provides for better highway maneuvering. Steering isn't quite as light as the Fusion due to increased curb-weight and heavier engine, but it's still pretty darn tootin' good.

In fact, I like the MKZ much better this second time. Furthermore, the base stereo is pretty good; it could use more bass, but the mids and highs are very crisp and clear. It just needs better external differentiation from the Fusion proportions.