2004 Ford Ka vs. 2010 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2010 Dodge Nitro is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Ka would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 784 kg more than 2004 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Dodge Nitro 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 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Dodge Nitro (318 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2010 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka. 2010 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 2010 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Ka | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1019 kg | 1803 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4544 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2764 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 74 L |
