1998 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. Both 1998 Mercedes-Benz A and 2009 Volkswagen Polo are equipped with a 1,598 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 127 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (153 Nm @ 300 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. 2009 Volkswagen Polo has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | A | Polo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2470 mm |
