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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 374 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (136 HP @ 6250 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 734 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 (830 Nm) has 655 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Focus. (175 Nm). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Focus.
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 | 1998 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1311 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 14.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
