2003 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,332 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota Starlet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota Starlet (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Starlet should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 212 kg more than 1998 Toyota Starlet.
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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1998 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Ka | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
