2003 Ford Ka vs. 1979 Renault 18
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 18 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Ka (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1979 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 18 weights approximately 23 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka.
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, 2003 Ford Ka (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1979 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Ka | 18 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| 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 | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
