1996 Ford Ka vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 502 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (244 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | 6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 64 L |
