2006 Toyota MR2 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Toyota MR2 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,792 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Toyota MR2 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 2006 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 2006 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (57 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Toyota MR2 | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | MR2 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1792 cc | 895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 57 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.5 mm | 59 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 35 L |
