1957 Fiat 1100 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 1100. (49 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 250 kg more than 1957 Fiat 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Fiat 1100 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 1957 Fiat 1100. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fiat 1100 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1100 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
