2004 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 653 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1387 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 88 L |
