1999 Honda Step Wagon vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1999 Honda Step Wagon is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Honda Step Wagon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Step Wagon (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Step Wagon should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda Step Wagon weights approximately 765 kg more than 1978 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, 1999 Honda Step Wagon (185 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Honda Step Wagon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 1999 Honda Step Wagon has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Honda Step Wagon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Step Wagon | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Step Wagon | Polo |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2340 mm |
