1996 Honda Accord vs. 2011 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,850 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Accord (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. (104 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Accord weights approximately 187 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (175 Nm @ 1550 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (158 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 2011 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1850 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1088 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2470 mm |
