2002 Ford Ka vs. 2008 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Ka would be higher. At 2,768 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 724 kg more than 2002 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Ka. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Ka. 2008 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 2008 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Ka | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 70 L |
