1998 Ford Focus vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML 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 2,597 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 1104 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 ML is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML will offer significantly more control. 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 ML (370 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | ML |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.4 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 2178 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 83 L |
