1984 Renault 5 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1984 Renault 5 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Renault 5 (158 HP) has 119 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Renault 5 weights approximately 270 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 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 1984 Renault 5. 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 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (74 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1984 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Renault 5 | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 5 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 39 HP |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 59 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
