2003 Ford Ka vs. 2011 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2011 Smart ForTwo is newer by 8 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Smart ForTwo (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 122 kg more than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2011 Smart ForTwo 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 2011 Smart ForTwo. 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, 2003 Ford Ka (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2011 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Ka | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 33 L |
