2008 Ford Ka vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Ford Ka is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 374 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ka. (100 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ka | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.4 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
