2003 Ford Ka vs. 1970 Ford Escort
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Escort (98 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 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 209 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort.
Because 1970 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 1970 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, 2003 Ford Ka (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1970 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ka | Escort |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 851 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 41 L |
