Performance Review: Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi - [2006]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Volkswagen-VW Polo Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2006. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2007 Caparo T1 3.5l V8 and the 2006 Caparo T1 2.4 V8.This particular Volkswagen-VW Polo has a 1781cc Turbo Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The Polo shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Polo's Front Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1283 kgs (2828 lbs) this makes the Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi in the same weight category as the 2023 McLaren 750S 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Volkswagen-VW Polo shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp)

In terms of power the 1781cc 20V St4 engine produces 148 bhp (110 kW) @ 5800 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Turbo St4 throws out 162 lb-ft (219.6 Nm) @ 1950 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (184 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Volkswagen-VW Polo you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2001 Mini Cooper S 1.6 (140.3 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Volkswagen-VW Polo.

The Volkswagen-VW Polo has a Power to weight ratio of 115.3 bhp per ton and 126.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2006 Polo competing with the 2001 Mini Cooper S 1.6 (140.3 bhp per ton) or the 1998 Citroen Xsara 2.0 16V VTS (140.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Volkswagen-VW Polo generating around 126.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1955 Aston-Martin 2/4 MK II (151.2 lb-ft per ton) or the 2008 Seat Leon Linea R 2.0 TSI FR DSG (151.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.0 secs, this made the Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi as fast as the 2010 Citroen DS4 200 1.6 Turbo (7.70 secs) the 2005 Audi Q7 4.2 V8 (7.70 secs) the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt CZT 1.5 Turbo (7.70 secs) the or the 2000 Toyota MR2 1.8 VVTi (7.70 secs). This Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi is also faster than the 2017 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-3 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2015 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-2 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD (7.80 secs) the and the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 (7.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Polo and the 1966 DeTomaso Mangusta 4.9 V8

When talking about the performance of the Volkswagen-VW Polo on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.52 secs @ 82.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1966 DeTomaso Mangusta 4.9 V8 (16.45 secs), the 1972 Jaguar E Type 5.3 V12 (16.46 secs), and the 2008 Mazda RX8 R3 231ps (16.46 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2006 version of the Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi has a maximum speed of 132mph.

Top Speed of the 2006 Polo equals the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (143 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi then how about the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (143 mph), the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (143 mph), or the 2020 Alfa-Romeo Giulia 2.2 16v Turbo Diesel (143 mph).

Related Links:

2006 Polo Rivals List.

A Brief History of Volkswagen-VW

Car Comparison