2005 Ford Ka vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Ford Ka is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ka. (73 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 270 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.
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, 2004 Mazda 3 (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ka. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ka | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 870 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |
