1978 Buick Estate vs. 1996 Ford Ka
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 972 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Estate 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 1978 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka. 1978 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Estate | 1996 Ford Ka | |
Make | Buick | Ford |
Model | Estate | Ka |
Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1299 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 58 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 105 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 908 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 3630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2450 mm |