2003 Ford Ka vs. 2005 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Volvo S40 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 2,434 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo S40 weights approximately 340 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 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 2005 Volvo S40 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. 2005 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2005 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Ka | S40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |
