2003 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Mazda 929
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 929 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 929 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 929 weights approximately 188 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 1978 Mazda 929 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 1978 Mazda 929. 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, 1978 Mazda 929 (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 929 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1978 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | 929 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |
