1997 Ford Ka vs. 1988 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1997 Ford Ka is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Suzuki Vitara (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 130 kg more than 1997 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Vitara 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, 1988 Suzuki Vitara (123 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 1988 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Ka | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2210 mm |
