2004 Ford Focus vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 335 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (175 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | CLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
