Ford Streetka and all smallish soft tops. Now considering Chevrolet or Suzuki,instead of Nissan

Status
Not open for further replies.
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

KneesUp

Guru
What everyday for an hour or so? Mmm, i think they'd tell me to feck off after i'd done it a few times.:smile: Anyway. I might phone Wayne up and ask how he liked his. Does anyone have his number?
View attachment 365467
That's a Sportka SE, not a StreetKa. The StreetKa has a huge number of body panels different from the SportKa, which is largely just a Ka with the 8v 1.6 engine, some suspension mods and a bodykit.

The 1.6 is unique to the Street and Sport Ka's - it appeared in no other Ford. The Zetec was too tall to pass safety tests if I recall correctly, so they mated up various bits of other engine to make the 1.6. It's willing enough, and gives c. 100bhp/tonne in the SportKa so it's fun. I should say that I've owned a SportKa and a Ka2 (as the mid-range one was called at launch).

I believe it's the same engine in the Street - I've only been in one once and that was as a passenger. The weight and flex of the Street will make it less fun to drive that the Sport, which is an absolute joy. Even the standard Ka is fun to drive when the road gets twisty, albeit it's dull if the road is straight because you can't overtake anything unless you really plan ahead. If getting a Sport, I'd recommend the SE as you get air conditioning and leather seats. And they're all cheap now anyway. Mechanically all SportKa are the same.

The rot issue is because water and grime get under the liner in the rear arches, and I believe Ford didn't bother to paint it, so I've been told. If you can see bubbling around the filler, the car is already rotten underneath. We looked at getting another Ka (the third) as a run around now we have two cars again, because they are so much fun and so cheap to run, but we couldn't find a decent one anywhere.
 

Drago

Legendary Member
Aye, the Street/SportKak use a version of the Zetec SE engine with an 8v head especially designed for the application. Crank, rods, etc all otherwise identical, and the only differences to the block are those required to mount the different sized head. Its quite a pleasant motor.

The SportKa is indeed supposed to be lithe and lively, and aficionados compare the feel and verve to that of the MKII XR2. Good ones are becoming quite sought after, and if other niche Fords are to go by prices will quickly rise when rarity bites. If I could fit properly I'd be happy with one, though the StreetKa might be pushing things in the testosterone stakes.
 

KneesUp

Guru
Aye, the Street/SportKak use a version of the Zetec SE engine with an 8v head especially designed for the application. Crank, rods, etc all otherwise identical, and the only differences to the block are those required to mount the different sized head. Its quite a pleasant motor.

The SportKa is indeed supposed to be lithe and lively, and aficionados compare the feel and verve to that of the MKII XR2. Good ones are becoming quite sought after, and if other niche Fords are to go by prices will quickly rise when rarity bites. If I could fit properly I'd be happy with one, though the StreetKa might be pushing things in the testosterone stakes.

Part of the reason we thought about getting another was that the price will go up, but I think that's dependent on it not turning to rust and dust, which it would if you used it.

Re: the testosterone comment - if you're using the car as some sort of manliness statement, you may be correct in that the Ka is not for you. If you want a cheap, fun car it's ideal. How tall are you not to fit btw? I'm 6ft and didn't have the seat all the way back, and had spare head room.
 

Drago

Legendary Member
191cm, fraction under 6'4', but also widemof chest and shoulder. Once had to drive a regular Kak back from Leeds for someone and was mightily uncomfortable . Stopped at a motorway servy for a break and part climbed, part crawled, part unfolded my now numb and tingly being from the drivers seat, much to the amusement of some Japanese tourists who were pointing and laughing at the large, arthritic gaijin.

A good dose of redneck wayoyl will prevent rust well. I treated the Fusion of elderliness with this magical ungent .
 

Drago

Legendary Member

Drago

Legendary Member
The opposite to the Kak really. They didn't really rust, but mechanically werent terribly robust.

They were also dull to drive and devoid of personality.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom