2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Ford Ka
To start off, 2011 Ford Ka is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 425 more horse power than 2011 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1015 kg more than 2011 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 598 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Ka. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Ka. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2011 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Ka |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 159 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 13.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 35 L |
