2003 Ford Ka vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 2003 Ford Ka and 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,422 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 298 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
