2003 Ford Ka vs. 1985 Nissan Santana
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Nissan Santana (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Santana should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan Santana weights approximately 112 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, 1985 Nissan Santana (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Nissan Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 1985 Nissan Santana 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. 1985 Nissan Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1985 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Santana |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |
