1978 Renault 4 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (101 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 587 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 4 | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
