1978 Toyota Tercel vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 226 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Tercel | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tercel | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
