2002 Ford Ka vs. 1973 Ford Escort
To start off, 2002 Ford Ka is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Ka (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1973 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Ka weights approximately 222 kg more than 1973 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Ford Escort 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 1973 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Ford Ka (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 1973 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ka | Escort |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 914 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 40 L |
