1978 Ford Capri vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Capri weights approximately 150 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1978 Ford Capri (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (76 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2340 mm |
