2003 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Ka (73 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 425 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka.
Because 1978 Opel Rekord 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 Opel Rekord. 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 Opel Rekord (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Ka | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 65 L |
