2007 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2007 Ford Focus is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ford Focus (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 218 kg more than 2007 Ford Focus.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, both vehicles can yield 185 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Ford Focus | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | CLK |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1282 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 69 L |
