1997 TVR Speed 12 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 TVR Speed 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 TVR Speed 12 would be higher. At 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (800 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 726 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 163 kg more than 1997 TVR Speed 12.
Because 1997 TVR Speed 12 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 TVR Speed 12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 686 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 TVR Speed 12 | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | TVR | Volkswagen |
| Model | Speed 12 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7730 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 800 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 881 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 337 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
