1983 Renault 5 vs. 1986 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Renault 5 (160 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Renault 5 weights approximately 202 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1983 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Renault 5 | 1986 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 5 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2340 mm |
