2008 Ford Focus vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 2700 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 396 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 6.3 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 | 1452 kg | 1848 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
