2004 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
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 SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 694 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 SL 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 SL. 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 SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.2 L/100km | 16.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
