2003 Ford Ka vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 200 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1968 Ford Escort (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ka | Escort |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 762 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 87 L |
