1988 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 133 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
