2003 Ford Ka vs. 1974 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Fairlane (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (73 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 582 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Fairlane 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 1974 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1974 Ford Fairlane (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1974 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ka | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2950 mm |
