1996 Ford Ka vs. 1991 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 176 kg more than 1996 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, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1991 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1991 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |
