1997 Ford Ka vs. 2011 Fiat 500
To start off, 2011 Fiat 500 is newer by 14 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, 2011 Fiat 500 (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Fiat 500 weights approximately 60 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 Ford Ka (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Fiat 500. 2011 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 2011 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Ka | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 35 L |
