2002 Ford Ka vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 2002 Ford Ka is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Rover 3.5 (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 502 kg more than 2002 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Rover 3.5 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 1974 Rover 3.5. 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, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Ka. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Ka. 1974 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Ka | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2820 mm |
