1996 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 166 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. 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 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Polo | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
