2005 Ford Ka vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 265 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ka | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1019 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
