1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser vs. 1998 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 985 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | 1998 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vista Cruiser | Polo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5734 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2410 mm |
