2005 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Focus (212 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Focus weights approximately 155 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Ford Focus (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | A |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2430 mm |
