2005 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 27 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 710 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.
Because 2005 BMW 318 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 2005 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2005 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 2005 BMW 318 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. 2005 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 35 L |
