2004 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 4 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (130 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 178 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 1979 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 1979 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (183 Nm). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | 230 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.2 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
