2006 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 509 kg more than 2006 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Ford Focus | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Focus | SL |
Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1560 cc | 5439 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 349 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 215 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 73.1 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 6.2 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 | 1311 kg | 1820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.7 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |