1980 Renault 12 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Renault 12 weights approximately 60 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.
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, 1980 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (76 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Renault 12 | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 12 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 55 L |
