1995 Toyota MR2 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1995 Toyota MR2 is newer by 17 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 550 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 1995 Toyota MR2 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 1995 Toyota MR2. 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, 1995 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Toyota MR2 | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | MR2 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 35 L |
