2003 Ford Ka vs. 2006 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2006 Nissan Xterra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Ka would be higher. At 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Xterra (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 568 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 2006 Nissan Xterra 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, 2006 Nissan Xterra 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, 2006 Nissan Xterra (386 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2006 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
