2002 Ford Ka vs. 1973 Nissan Fairlady
To start off, 2002 Ford Ka is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Fairlady. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Fairlady would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Nissan Fairlady is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Ka (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1973 Nissan Fairlady. (109 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1973 Nissan Fairlady. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Ka weights approximately 141 kg more than 1973 Nissan Fairlady. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Nissan Fairlady 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 Nissan Fairlady. 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, both vehicles can yield 175 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 1973 Nissan Fairlady | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Fairlady |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
