1985 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M (397 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M weights approximately 1568 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M (601 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 456 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Volkswagen Polo | 2013 Mercedes-Benz M | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Polo | M |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 397 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 601 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 2288 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4804 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 2141 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1796 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2915 mm |
