2004 Ford Ka vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 8 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 182 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
