1980 Renault 5 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 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Renault 5 weights approximately 130 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 1980 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. 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, 1980 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (76 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Renault 5 | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 5 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
