1997 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2010 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2010 Nissan Frontier is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 374 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.
Because 2010 Nissan Frontier 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 2010 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2010 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. 2010 Nissan Frontier 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. 2010 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Polo | 2010 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Polo | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1043 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3200 mm |
