2003 Ford Ka vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
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 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 653 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 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, 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 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | 280 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 95 L |
