2004 Ford Ka vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Ka would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 872 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1019 kg | 1891 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 88 L |
