2002 Ford Ka vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 219 kg more than 2002 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Ka. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Ka. 2004 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.4 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.6 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |
