1981 Buick Estate vs. 2002 Ford Ka
To start off, 2002 Ford Ka is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 744 kg more than 2002 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1981 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Ka. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Ka. 1981 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 2002 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Estate | Ka |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2450 mm |
