1956 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Ford Ka
To start off, 2008 Ford Ka is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Ka (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1956 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Ka weights approximately 319 kg more than 1956 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Escort 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 1956 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Ford Ka (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Escort. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Escort | 2008 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Ka |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 40 L |
