1949 Jeep CJ3A vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Jeep CJ3A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Jeep CJ3A would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Jeep CJ3A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1949 Jeep CJ3A. (59 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1949 Jeep CJ3A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Jeep CJ3A weights approximately 320 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Because 1949 Jeep CJ3A is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1949 Jeep CJ3A 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, both vehicles can yield 145 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1949 Jeep CJ3A has manual transmission. 1949 Jeep CJ3A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Jeep CJ3A | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | CJ3A | Santana |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2560 mm |
