2002 Ford Ka vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2002 Ford Ka is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Ka (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (113 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 274 kg more than 2002 Ford Ka.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Ka. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | 300 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 70 L |
