1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (63 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 646 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 1972 Ford Gran Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (124 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Gran Torino | Polo |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2410 mm |
