2009 Cadillac Escalade vs. 1997 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (404 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 355 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 680 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Cadillac Escalade 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 Cadillac Escalade. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 479 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. 2009 Cadillac Escalade has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac Escalade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac Escalade | 1997 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escalade | Polo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6162 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 404 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 565 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5670 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2410 mm |
