Can you compare a Ford Ka and Citroen C4 in running costs?

Hello. Can you tell me the difference in running costs between a 2000 Ford Ka 1.3 petrol (88k miles) and a 2003 Citroen C4 2.0 diesel (65k miles)?

Cheers

David Daly (Kinnegad)

Oct 2013 Filed under: running costs

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Expert answer

Hi David,

OK, well the Ka wins in terms of road tax as you'll pay just €358 a year for that, as opposed to €710 for the 2.0-litre Citroen, but after that things start to get a bit more murky. In terms of fuel consumption, it does depend a lot on what kind of driving and mileage you do. If you're a low-mileage person, driving mostly in and around town, then the Ka, even though it uses an aged petrol engine, will probably work out more frugal to run than the Citroen. But if you're doing lots of long motorway miles, then the Citroen will win hands down in economy terms. I'd say you'll average around 40mpg in the Ka, probably 50mpg in the Citroen, depending on your driving style. Beware though; neither of these two cars has the greatest reliability reputation. The Citroen is prone to annoying electrical failures, while the Ka suffers from occasional total engine failure if not cared for.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe