2003 Ford Ka vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (73 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 420 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 159 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.1 seconds | 14.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |
