2003 Ford Ka vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 5 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 433 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 2008 BMW Z4 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 2008 BMW Z4. 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, 2008 BMW Z4 (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 2008 BMW Z4 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. 2008 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Ka | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.1 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
