2004 Ford Ka vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2004 Ford Ka is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Ka weights approximately 62 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
