1984 BMW 316 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1984 BMW 316 is newer by 8 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 1,767 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 316 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 316 weights approximately 300 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 1984 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 1984 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, 1984 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (57 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. 1984 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. 1984 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 57 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 59 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 35 L |
