2003 Ford Ka vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 404 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| 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 | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2810 mm |
