2008 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1974 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,469 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 240 kg more than 1974 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (127 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (114 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Polo | 1974 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 156 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 14 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
