2003 Ford Ka vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (169 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 683 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 E 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 E. 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 E (250 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
