2004 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Ford Ka is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Ka (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 141 kg more than 2004 Ford Ka.
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, 2004 Ford Ka (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 75.6 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 | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1019 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
