1999 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 1999 Ford Ka is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Prizm would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Prizm is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1999 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 210 kg more than 1999 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 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Ka. 1998 Chevrolet Prizm has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Ka | 1998 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Ka | Prizm |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
