2003 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Skyline (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (73 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 180 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 Nissan Skyline 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 Nissan Skyline. 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 Nissan Skyline (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
