1998 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1386 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 GL 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | GL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.4 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 2460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
