1990 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Ford Ka
To start off, 2011 Ford Ka is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2011 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 111 kg more than 2011 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Ka |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 146 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2450 mm |
