2009 Ford Ka vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2009 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 898 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.7 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 887 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
