1996 Ford Ka vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (105 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 462 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 2009 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Ka | Golf |
Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 58 HP | 105 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 105 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 187 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 | 1370 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2580 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |