1990 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1990 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,474 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Chevrolet Lumina (108 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 695 kg more than 1978 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, 1990 Chevrolet Lumina (183 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 1990 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Chevrolet Lumina | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Polo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2474 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 35 L |
