2004 Ford Focus vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 9 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (409 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (144 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 428 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 2013 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 2013 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (540 Nm) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (202 Nm). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 8 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 409 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 12.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4146 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 12 L/100km |
