2004 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,422 cc (3 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 75 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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 Volkswagen Polo (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Polo | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1422 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.6 seconds | 14 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.5 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
