2003 Ford Ka vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Ka would be higher. At 2,597 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (160 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 688 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | CLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.1 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
