2004 Ford Focus vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, both 2004 Ford Focus and 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK were released in the same year (2004). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (160 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 111 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 4150 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1279 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2440 mm |
