1997 Ford Ka vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 1997 Ford Ka is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,470 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Europa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Europa (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Europa should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ka weights approximately 270 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa 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 1968 Lotus Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Ford Ka (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Europa |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
