1998 Buick Century vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1998 Buick Century is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Century weights approximately 420 kg more than 1996 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, 1998 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. 1998 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Century | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Polo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
