2001 Ford Ka vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2001 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 305 kg more than 2001 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Ka | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
