1996 Ford Ka vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton (101 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 267 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 1983 Vauxhall Carlton 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 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. 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, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton (156 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton 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. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Ka | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2680 mm |
