1971 AC 428 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 AC 428 weights approximately 405 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 1971 AC 428 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 1971 AC 428. 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, 1971 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 539 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1971 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
1971 AC 428 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | AC | Volkswagen |
Model | 428 | Santana |
Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7003 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 298 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 639 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |