2004 Kia Retona vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Kia Retona is newer by 8 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Kia Retona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Kia Retona (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Kia Retona should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Retona weights approximately 770 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.
Because 2004 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Kia Retona will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Kia Retona (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Kia Retona | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Retona | Polo |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2410 mm |
