1998 Ford Focus vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (523 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 601 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 2013 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 2013 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 630 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 523 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 4.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2585 mm |
