1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 30 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 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (83 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 164 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (122 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (116 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Polo |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 941 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
