2004 Ford Focus vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 163 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | 280 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1387 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 90 L |
