1987 Buick Estate vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1987 Buick Estate is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Estate (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Estate weights approximately 1200 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Buick Estate 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 1987 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1987 Buick Estate (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 1987 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Estate | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Polo |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2340 mm |
