2008 Ford Ka vs. 2011 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Sentra is newer by 3 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Sentra (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 246 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, 2011 Nissan Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ka | 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 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 | 1382 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
