1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2001 Ford Ka
To start off, 2001 Ford Ka is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2001 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 820 kg more than 2001 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 1979 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2001 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Mirada | Ka |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2450 mm |
