1996 Ford Ka vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 423 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.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (285 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 62 L |
