2005 Ford Ka vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 2005 Ford Ka is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 809 kg more than 2005 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ka. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ka | 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Ka | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 5734 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3080 mm |
