1996 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (83 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 121 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Polo.
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 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (123 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Passat | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1089 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
