2002 Ford Ka vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 4 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 50 L |
