2004 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 429 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (197 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | E |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1247 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 16.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
