2001 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1997 Kia Potentia
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Potentia would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Potentia weights approximately 505 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Kia Potentia 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 1997 Kia Potentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1997 Kia Potentia (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Polo | 1997 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | Polo | Potentia |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
