2003 Ford Ka vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 9 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 439 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | GTI |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.1 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
