1974 Citroen GS vs. 1988 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,220 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen GS (58 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen GS should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen GS weights approximately 172 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Polo (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (87 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS. 1974 Citroen GS has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Citroen GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen GS | 1988 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | GS | Polo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2340 mm |
