1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2011 Ford Ka
To start off, 2011 Ford Ka is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2011 Ford Ka. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 565 kg more than 2011 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Ka, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Ka. (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Ka. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2011 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2011 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2011 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1247 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 17.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 35 L |
