1988 Ford Tempo 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 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (178 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1988 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 164 kg more than 1988 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Tempo. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Tempo. 2012 Volkswagen Polo has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Tempo has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Tempo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Tempo | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tempo | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1269 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2470 mm |
