1996 Ford Ka vs. 1979 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Mustang (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Mustang weights approximately 280 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 1979 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. 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, 1979 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1979 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ka | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |
