2009 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 11 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 924 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 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, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 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:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 17.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
