1997 Fiat Punto vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1997 Fiat Punto is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,108 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Fiat Punto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Fiat Punto (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Fiat Punto should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Fiat Punto weights approximately 155 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1997 Fiat Punto (83 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Fiat Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Fiat Punto | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Punto | Polo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2340 mm |
