2006 Ford Ka vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
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 Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 563 kg more than 2006 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ka | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
