1999 Ford Ka vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1999 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 516 kg more than 1999 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Ka. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Ka | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
