1978 Toyota Tercel vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 26 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 471 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tercel | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
