2007 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2007 Ford Ka is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ford Ka (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford Ka weights approximately 361 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 Starlet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Ford Ka (136 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Ford Ka | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Ka | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
