2003 Ford Ka vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra 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.
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, 1996 Opel Astra (128 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Ka | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |
