2009 Ford Ka vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Fiat 131 (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2009 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 323 kg more than 2009 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Fiat 131 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 1979 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Ka. 1979 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Ka | 131 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 887 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2500 mm |
