1980 Ford Capri vs. 1999 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1980 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Capri weights approximately 6 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Polo.
Because 1980 Ford Capri 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 1980 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Polo (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Capri | 1999 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Polo |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
