2009 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 339 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 605 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 2008 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 2008 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 523 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (197 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 2008 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Focus | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 4.7 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 | 1350 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 14.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
