2002 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2002 Ford Ka is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 154 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 1978 Ford Mustang 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 1978 Ford Mustang. 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Ka. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ka | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |
