1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 1000 (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 1000 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 310 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Because 1959 Abarth 1000 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 1959 Abarth 1000. 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 (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1000 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 160 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 | 680 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
