1988 Holden Barina vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Holden Barina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Holden Barina would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1988 Holden Barina. (67 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1988 Holden Barina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 230 kg more than 1988 Holden Barina. 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, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Holden Barina. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Holden Barina. 2001 Volkswagen Polo has automatic transmission and 1988 Holden Barina has manual transmission. 1988 Holden Barina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Holden Barina | 2001 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barina | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1324 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2250 mm | 2520 mm |
