2003 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1153 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 412 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Ka | Toronado |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 108 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 91 L |
