2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Ford Focus
To start off, 2013 Ford Focus is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2013 Ford Focus. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2013 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 395 kg more than 2013 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Ford Focus. (198 Nm @ 4450 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | S | Focus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4450 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4359 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2060 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1466 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 47 L |
