2009 Ford Ka vs. 1984 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Ka (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1984 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Ka weights approximately 137 kg more than 1984 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Toyota Starlet. 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, 2009 Ford Ka (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1984 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Ka | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 887 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
