I couldn't say or comment on what the handling of a Ka is like, or Fords in general, having never driven one. But I'd choose almost any car over a Ka out of pure principle that I don't want to be seen in one!
My main concern with the 100hp is at least the original KA chassis is great fun the standard Panda is designed for people who dont like driving IMHO.
I think they are the same market tbh.
Both £10k list yet can be had for sub £8k new, both 10sec 0-60 both around 100hp in one tonne cars - kinda sporty versions of shopping cars!!
But no-one seems to mention you can buy the panda and run it for a couple of years for the same cost as just buying teh twingo and swift!!
Sam
Also I know its a tad snobby, but I don't think I could bring myself to buy a car with an 8v engine. Its a bit low tech really. Plus I haven't owned a car with 8 valves since 1995!
I read I think in EVO mag recently, that the latest Corvette with its 2valve per cylinder engine (its a V8 so only 16V's), makes more torque lower down and across a wider rev range, makes more headline power, and gives better MPG than any equivalent performance car in its league, including Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Audi etc, its also faster round Nurburgring than the new Nissan GTR with all its whistles and bangs and computer trickery and super sticky non road tyres & tweeked engine that it used which has emerged recently after Porsche bought one as they couldn't believe that with the power to weight ratio the GTR could ever be that quick, and using a there test drivers couldn't get anywhere near what its supposed to do, they even invited Nissan back to quantify the time in the Porsche owned car, they declined
So don't dismiss good old 8V's yet.
Bit off track I know, but hey..............![]()
I read I think in EVO mag recently, that the latest Corvette with its 2valve per cylinder engine (its a V8 so only 16V's), makes more torque lower down and across a wider rev range, makes more headline power, and gives better MPG than any equivalent performance car in its league, including Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Audi etc, its also faster round Nurburgring than the new Nissan GTR with all its whistles and bangs and computer trickery and super sticky non road tyres & tweeked engine that it used which has emerged recently after Porsche bought one as they couldn't believe that with the power to weight ratio the GTR could ever be that quick, and using a there test drivers couldn't get anywhere near what its supposed to do, they even invited Nissan back to quantify the time in the Porsche owned car, they declined
So don't dismiss good old 8V's yet.
Bit off track I know, but hey..............![]()
When my little sister left university and looked for cars she investigated various options. In the end she found a brand new Ford Ka 1.3 from a dealer for £4.5k. People can say what you will about them but they are a lot of runabout for the money and quite entertaining to drive in their own way. No rust yet, but we'll see how it fairs with another winter!
Its not just what you pay its what its worth after.
I wouldn't buy a new car if I was planning to sell it soon. I'm hoping to keep my next car for 10+ years, and it's value will be almost meaningless.
got to love the v8's a proper engine, but if i was going to have one would make shur it was a 32valve superchargedI read I think in EVO mag recently, that the latest Corvette with its 2valve per cylinder engine (its a V8 so only 16V's), makes more torque lower down and across a wider rev range, makes more headline power, and gives better MPG than any equivalent performance car in its league, including Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Audi etc, its also faster round Nurburgring than the new Nissan GTR with all its whistles and bangs and computer trickery and super sticky non road tyres & tweeked engine that it used which has emerged recently after Porsche bought one as they couldn't believe that with the power to weight ratio the GTR could ever be that quick, and using a there test drivers couldn't get anywhere near what its supposed to do, they even invited Nissan back to quantify the time in the Porsche owned car, they declined
So don't dismiss good old 8V's yet.
Bit off track I know, but hey..............![]()
ithink the ka looks quite good compared to a standard one but genraly think fords are pretty dam boring except for the old skool cozies, but as ya say out dated engine standard ford stuff a 1.6 single cam 8v with 95bhp wowI honestly think that the Ka is a strong contender, but I wouldn't consider it seriously because the design etc is mid 90s. Other problem is partner wouldn't entertain the thought of it at all. He seems to have a ford aversion.
But it doesn't look bad in the pics i'll give you that.#
Also I know its a tad snobby, but I don't think I could bring myself to buy a car with an 8v engine. Its a bit low tech really. Plus I haven't owned a car with 8 valves since 1995!