2006 Ford Ka vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Ford Ka is newer by 9 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. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Ka (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ka weights approximately 35 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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 Ford Ka (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ka | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 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 | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 125 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 |
| Top Speed | 173 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
