1951 Buick 40 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Buick 40 (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Buick 40 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Buick 40 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 1951 Buick 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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, 1951 Buick 40 (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1951 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
1951 Buick 40 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | 40 | Santana |
Year Released | 1951 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4066 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 119 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 292 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1055 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1700 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2560 mm |