1996 Ford Ka vs. 1965 Pontiac Catalina
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Pontiac Catalina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Pontiac Catalina would be higher. At 6,891 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Pontiac Catalina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 318 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Pontiac Catalina should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Pontiac Catalina weights approximately 977 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 1965 Pontiac Catalina 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 1965 Pontiac Catalina. 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, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (625 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1965 Pontiac Catalina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka. 1965 Pontiac Catalina 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. 1965 Pontiac Catalina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1965 Pontiac Catalina | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Ka | Catalina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 6891 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 625 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3080 mm |
