2003 Ford Ka vs. 1989 Volvo 440
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 440. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 440 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 440 (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 440 weights approximately 63 kg more than 2003 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, 1989 Volvo 440 (132 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1989 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Ka | 440 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 48 L |
