1996 Ford Ka vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 627 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2840 mm |
