2004 Ford Focus vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,308 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 222 kg more than 2004 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Ford Focus (250 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | 230 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1752 cc | 2308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
