1981 Vauxhall Chevette vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (60 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 305 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (125 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Chevette | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
