1996 Ford Ka vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is newer by 17 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M (511 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 453 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M weights approximately 1437 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M (700 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 595 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 2013 Mercedes-Benz M | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | M |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 511 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 2345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4817 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2141 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1796 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2915 mm |
