2003 Ford Ka vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,408 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Ascona 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 Opel Ascona 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 Opel Ascona. 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 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Ka | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.4 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
