1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Toyota Corolla (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 210 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 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 1979 Toyota Corolla. 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, 1979 Toyota Corolla (129 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (76 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Polo |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
