1981 Vauxhall Chevette vs. 2007 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 26 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Polo (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 282 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, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 2007 Volkswagen Polo has automatic transmission and 1981 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | 2007 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Chevette | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1137 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3920 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 |
