1990 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1998 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 115 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Polo (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Jetta | 1998 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jetta | Polo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2410 mm |
