2003 Ford Ka vs. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 498 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.
Because 1989 Nissan 300 ZX 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 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1989 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 962 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2530 mm |
