1997 Ford Ka vs. 1973 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1997 Ford Ka is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Ka (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ka weights approximately 364 kg more than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mitsubishi Minica 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 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. 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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. (28 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 1973 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Ka | Minica |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2010 mm |
