1983 BMW 316 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,765 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 316 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 316 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 BMW 316 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 1983 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1983 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1976 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1976 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
