2004 Seat Altea vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Seat Altea is newer by 26 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Seat Altea (108 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Seat Altea weights approximately 635 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, 2004 Seat Altea (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Seat Altea | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Seat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altea | Polo |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 35 L |
