2003 Ford Ka vs. 2010 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2010 Nissan Xterra is newer by 7 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 922 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 2010 Nissan Xterra 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 2010 Nissan Xterra. 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, 2010 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1884 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
