1997 Ford Ka vs. 1972 Toyota Century
To start off, 1997 Ford Ka is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Century would be higher. At 2,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Toyota Century (127 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Toyota Century weights approximately 820 kg more than 1997 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Toyota Century 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 1972 Toyota Century. 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, 1972 Toyota Century (236 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 1972 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Ka | Century |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2870 mm |
