2012 Ford Ka vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Ford Ka is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2012 Ford Ka. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 455 kg more than 2012 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Ka. (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Ka. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Ford Ka | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1247 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.1 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.2 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 62 L |
