1971 Alfa Romeo GTA 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 Alfa Romeo GTA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA (93 HP) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 175 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA.
Because 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA 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 Alfa Romeo GTA. 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 Alfa Romeo GTA (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTA | Santana |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 60 L |
