1998 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 11 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 770 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | CL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.6 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 88 L |
