1992 BMW 520 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1992 BMW 520 is newer by 14 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 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 520 (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 520 weights approximately 803 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.
Because 1992 BMW 520 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 1992 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1992 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 520 | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
