2004 Ford Focus vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 54 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2006 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 2006 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (230 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
