1988 Holden Commodore vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Holden Commodore (153 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Holden Commodore weights approximately 115 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Holden Commodore (247 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Holden Commodore | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
