1961 Lancia Appia vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Lancia Appia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Lancia Appia would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Lancia Appia (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Lancia Appia should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Lancia Appia weights approximately 64 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Lancia Appia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 Lancia Appia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Polo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1976 Volkswagen Polo (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Lancia Appia. (85 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Lancia Appia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Lancia Appia | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Appia | Polo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1090 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 789 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 40 L |
