2003 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Ka (94 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona. 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, 2003 Ford Ka (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Ka | Corona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
