2005 Ford Ka vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Ford Ka is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 1,731 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ka. (73 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2005 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (164 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ka. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ka | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Ka | S40 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 58 L |
