1999 Ford Ka vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Ka would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1999 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 610 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.
Because 2003 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 2003 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Ka | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 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 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
