2008 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 30 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 3,565 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Lumina (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 907 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 2008 Chevrolet Lumina 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 2008 Chevrolet Lumina. 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, 2008 Chevrolet Lumina (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 2008 Chevrolet Lumina 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. 2008 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Lumina | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Polo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3565 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 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 | 1592 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 35 L |
