1997 Ford Ka vs. 1997 Mazda 323
To start off, both 1997 Ford Ka and 1997 Mazda 323 were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda 323 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda 323 weights approximately 335 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.
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, 1997 Mazda 323 (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 1997 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | 323 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2620 mm |
