2008 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 215 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. 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 (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Polo | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2480 mm |
