2009 Ford Ka vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2009 Ford Ka. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 22 kg more than 2009 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Ka. (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1247 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
