2004 Ford Ka vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Ford Ka is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. Both 2004 Ford Ka and 1997 Volkswagen Golf are equipped with a 1,597 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 24 kg more than 2004 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 77.4 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 | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
