1997 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 2,834 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass (123 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 485 kg more than 1997 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, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass (217 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Polo | 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Polo | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1043 cc | 2834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2740 mm |
