2002 Ford Ka vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Ka (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Ka weights approximately 251 kg more than 2003 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Smart Roadster 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 Smart Roadster. 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Ka | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 180 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 | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
