2008 Ford Ka vs. 1956 Ford Consul
To start off, 2008 Ford Ka is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Ford Consul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Ka (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1956 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Ka weights approximately 47 kg more than 1956 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Consul 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 1956 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Ford Ka (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ka | 1956 Ford Consul | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ka | Consul |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 173 km/hour | 128 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1089 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 47 L |
