2003 Ford Ka vs. 1979 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Nissan Silvia (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (73 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 120 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Nissan Silvia 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 1979 Nissan Silvia. 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, 1979 Nissan Silvia (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 1979 Nissan Silvia has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Nissan Silvia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1979 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2350 mm |
