2001 Caterham Beaulieu vs. 1996 Ford Ka
To start off, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Caterham Beaulieu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Ka weights approximately 383 kg more than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
Because 2001 Caterham Beaulieu 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 Caterham Beaulieu. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Caterham Beaulieu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Caterham Beaulieu | 1996 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | Beaulieu | Ka |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 908 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 42 L |
