1998 Buick Century vs. 2003 Ford Ka
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Century weights approximately 558 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 1998 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Century | 2003 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Century | Ka |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 962 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 40 L |
