2004 Ford Ka vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 2004 Ford Ka is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 2,461 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 321 kg more than 2004 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (246 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | 190 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1019 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
