1981 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (104 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 128 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (175 Nm @ 1550 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1088 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
