2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Ford Ka
To start off, 2012 Ford Ka is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Dodge Nitro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Dodge Nitro would be higher. At 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2012 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 394 kg more than 2012 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro will offer significantly more control. 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 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Ka |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 40 L |
