2003 Ford Ka vs. 1990 Rover 400
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Rover 400 would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Rover 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Rover 400 (115 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Rover 400 weights approximately 113 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.
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, 1990 Rover 400 (144 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1990 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Ka | 400 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |
