2009 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 434 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1386 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
