1956 BMW 507 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 507 weights approximately 199 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 1956 BMW 507 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 1956 BMW 507. 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, 1956 BMW 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 507 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 507 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 60 L |
