1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2005 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,491 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Ballade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Ballade (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Ballade should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 75 kg more than 1996 Honda Ballade.
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, 2005 Volkswagen Polo (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2005 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ballade | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 45 L |
