1998 Ford Focus vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (362 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 746 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | CLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.4 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
