1989 Dodge Shadow vs. 1988 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Dodge Shadow is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Dodge Shadow is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Shadow (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Shadow weights approximately 518 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Shadow will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Shadow | 1988 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Shadow | Polo |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1288 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2340 mm |
