1999 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E

To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 862 kg more than 1999 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1999 Ford Focus 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
Make Ford Mercedes-Benz
Model Focus E
Year Released 1999 1996
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1795 cc 4266 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 3 valves
Horse Power 99 HP 275 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5750 RPM
Torque 149 Nm 400 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 79 mm 89.9 mm
Engine Stroke Size 81.4 mm 84 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 10.0:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1190 kg 2052 kg
Vehicle Length 4160 mm 4800 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1810 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1450 mm
Wheelbase Size 2620 mm 2720 mm