2003 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Suzuki Vitara (79 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 34 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 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara 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, 1998 Suzuki Vitara (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1998 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Ka | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2490 mm |
