2003 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 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 43 more horse power than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 222 kg more than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 will offer significantly more control. 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Ka | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 539 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 1940 mm |
