2003 Ford Ka vs. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Vauxhall Carlton (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 188 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 1986 Vauxhall Carlton 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 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. 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, 1986 Vauxhall Carlton (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton 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. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1986 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Ka | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2680 mm |
