2003 Ford Ka vs. 2009 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2009 Nissan 350Z is newer by 6 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 748 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 2009 Nissan 350Z 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 2009 Nissan 350Z. 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, 2009 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2009 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| 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 | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
