2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1983 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Polo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 24.4 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
