1968 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 154 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. 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, 1968 Ford Escort (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Santana |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 871 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 60 L |
