2008 Ford Ka vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 2008 Ford Ka is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 850 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (125 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 369 kg more than 2008 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 850 (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ka | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Ka | 850 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 966 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 58 L |
