1968 Volkswagen 1600 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,583 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (83 HP) has 30 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 1332 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Volkswagen 1600 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 1968 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (122 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Volkswagen 1600 | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1583 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
