1974 Honda Life vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,200 cc (3 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 642 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Polo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2470 mm |
