1988 BMW 530 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 530 (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 714 kg more than 1988 BMW 530.
Because 1988 BMW 530 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 1988 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1988 BMW 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 530 | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 530 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
