2003 Ford Ka vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 3 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (302 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1588 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (700 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 594 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | GL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.1 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 2550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 100 L |
