1997 Ford Ka vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Ka 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 19 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ka weights approximately 65 kg more than 2001 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Smart ForTwo 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 2001 Smart ForTwo. 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Ka | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 22 L |
