2003 Ford Ka vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 535 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1158 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 894 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.1 seconds | 4.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 15.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
