1996 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia
To start off, 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia (197 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia weights approximately 352 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia 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 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia (265 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | 200 SX Silvia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2530 mm |
