2003 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Nissan Serena
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Serena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Serena would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Nissan Serena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan Serena (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Serena should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Serena weights approximately 423 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 1998 Nissan Serena 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 1998 Nissan Serena. 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, 1998 Nissan Serena (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan Serena will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1998 Nissan Serena | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Serena |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2740 mm |
