2003 Ford Ka vs. 1976 Mazda 818
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Ka (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1976 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 80 kg more than 1976 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mazda 818 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 1976 Mazda 818. 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 (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1976 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | 818 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2320 mm |
