1996 Buick Roadmaster vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Roadmaster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Roadmaster would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 457 kg more than 1996 Buick Roadmaster.
Because 1996 Buick Roadmaster 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 1996 Buick Roadmaster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. 1996 Buick Roadmaster has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Roadmaster | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadmaster | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2470 mm |
