1996 Ford Ka vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 16 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (104 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 180 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (175 Nm @ 1550 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1550 RPM |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 190 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 | 1088 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2470 mm |
