1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2005 Ford Focus
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 417 kg more than 2005 Ford Focus.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus, 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, 2005 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2005 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2005 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 300 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1213 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
