1988 Lexus LS vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1988 Lexus LS is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lexus LS weights approximately 1090 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lexus LS 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 Lexus LS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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 Lexus LS (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. 1988 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1976 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1976 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lexus LS | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | LS | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3969 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2480 mm |
