1996 Rover 400 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 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Rover 400 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Rover 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Rover 400. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 1087 kg more than 1996 Rover 400. 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, 1996 Rover 400 (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Rover 400 | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
