2003 Ford Ka vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,335 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Ka (69 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 167 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. 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, 1979 Honda Civic (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1979 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Ka | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
