2009 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1997 Ford Ka
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Ka would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (321 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 225 kg more than 1997 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (461 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ka. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1997 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Tahoe | Ka |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 40 L |
