1998 Ford Ka vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Ford Ka is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1998 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 210 kg more than 1998 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Ka | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
