1998 Rover 400 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 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Rover 400 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 Rover 400. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1998 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 89 kg more than 1998 Rover 400. 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 Rover 400 (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Rover 400 | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1394 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1209 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
