2009 Ford Ka vs. 1997 Honda Life
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Life 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 1997 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Ka weights approximately 97 kg more than 1997 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1997 Honda Life | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Ka | Life |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 887 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2370 mm |
