1999 Ford Ka vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Ford Ka is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1999 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 930 kg more than 1999 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Ka. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Ka | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | S |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2950 mm |
