1971 Buick Skylark 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 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Skylark weights approximately 815 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 Buick Skylark 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 Buick Skylark. 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 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1971 Buick Skylark has manual transmission. 1971 Buick Skylark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Skylark | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Santana |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
