2001 Ford Ka vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2001 Ford Ka is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2001 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 415 kg more than 2001 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Ka | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | 280 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 64 L |
