2004 Ford Ka vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 511 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1019 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
