1998 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 382 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 107 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 SL 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 SL. 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 SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 660 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1118 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
