1997 Ford Ka vs. 2007 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2007 Nissan 350Z is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Ka would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan 350Z (297 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ka.
Because 2007 Nissan 350Z 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 2007 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2007 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ka. 2007 Nissan 350Z has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Nissan 350Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 2007 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
