1997 BMW 850 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP) has 290 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 1245 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (74 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1976 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1976 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 39 HP |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 59 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
