1972 Toyota Celica vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Toyota Celica (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Toyota Celica weights approximately 121 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 1972 Toyota Celica 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 1972 Toyota Celica. 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, 1972 Toyota Celica (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1972 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Toyota Celica | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Celica | Santana |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
