2003 Ford Ka vs. 2009 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 492 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, 2009 Opel Astra (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 2009 Opel Astra 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. 2009 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2009 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Ka | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 52 L |
