2008 Ford Ka vs. 2009 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Maxima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Ka would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 651 kg more than 2008 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, 2009 Nissan Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ka. 2009 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ka | 2009 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.1 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
