2003 Ford Ka vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Ka (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 430 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 220. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | 220 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.1 seconds | 29.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
