2002 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Ford Focus is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2002 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 525 kg more than 2002 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Focus. (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Focus. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Focus | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2850 mm |
