1982 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP) has 20 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 165 kg more than 1982 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, 1978 Volkswagen Passat (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. (74 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Volkswagen Polo | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo | Passat |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1043 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2480 mm |
