2004 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2004 Ford Ka is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Ka (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Ka weights approximately 151 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 1978 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, both vehicles can yield 135 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1978 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Ka | Corona |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 75 L |
