2002 Ford Ka vs. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2002 Ford Ka is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 524 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass (249 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Ka. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Ka | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
