2002 Ford Ka vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Ka would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 469 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 814 kg more than 2002 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 826 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Ka. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Ka. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.6 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 18.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 80 L |
