2009 Ford Ka vs. 1990 Volvo 480
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 480 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2009 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Ka weights approximately 136 kg more than 1990 Volvo 480.
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 Volvo 480 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Ka. (136 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1990 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1990 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Ka | 480 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
