1996 Ford Ka vs. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 10 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 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 632 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 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (395 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 2006 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 3949 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 395 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 80 L |
