2005 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Focus would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 3850 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 463 kg more than 2005 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Focus. (325 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Focus. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3850 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
