2003 Ford Ka vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 143 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 2001 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2512 mm |
