2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 31 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 371 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 960 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 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 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, 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 392 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | V8 Vantage | Polo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4700 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 35 L |
