1997 Ford Ka vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 470 kg more than 1997 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (286 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
