1996 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2011 Cadillac Escalade
To start off, 2011 Cadillac Escalade 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 354 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 1664 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 Cadillac Escalade is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Cadillac Escalade. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 479 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. 2011 Cadillac Escalade 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 Cadillac Escalade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Polo | 2011 Cadillac Escalade | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Cadillac |
| Model | Polo | Escalade |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1043 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 403 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 2619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 5639 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1892 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3302 mm |
