1999 Ford Ka vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 10 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), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1999 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 350 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.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Ka. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle 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. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Ka | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| 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 | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
