2001 Ford Ka vs. 1959 Hudson Metropolitan
To start off, 2001 Ford Ka is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Hudson Metropolitan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Hudson Metropolitan would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Hudson Metropolitan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Ka (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1959 Hudson Metropolitan. (47 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1959 Hudson Metropolitan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Ka weights approximately 60 kg more than 1959 Hudson Metropolitan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Hudson Metropolitan 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 1959 Hudson Metropolitan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 Ford Ka (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Hudson Metropolitan. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Hudson Metropolitan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Ka | 1959 Hudson Metropolitan | |
| Make | Ford | Hudson |
| Model | Ka | Metropolitan |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2170 mm |
