1970 Volkswagen 1600 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 15 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
