2003 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Vauxhall Chevette 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 13 more horse power than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 107 kg more than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1978 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Ka | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
