1996 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2011 BMW X5
To start off, 2011 BMW X5 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X5 (304 HP @ 440 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X5 weights approximately 1099 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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 BMW X5 (600 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. 2011 BMW X5 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Polo | 2011 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Polo | X5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 304 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 440 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2934 mm |
