2003 Ford Ka vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (169 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 498 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | SE |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
