1997 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 620 kg more than 1997 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | CLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 69 L |
