2004 Ford Ka vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Ka would be higher. Both 2004 Ford Ka and 2006 Volkswagen Passat are equipped with a 1,598 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 459 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1019 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
