1973 Chrysler Valiant vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chrysler Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chrysler Valiant would be higher. At 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Chrysler Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Chrysler Valiant (163 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Chrysler Valiant should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Chrysler Valiant weights approximately 610 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 1973 Chrysler Valiant 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 1973 Chrysler Valiant. 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, 1973 Chrysler Valiant (318 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1973 Chrysler Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chrysler Valiant | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | Valiant | Santana |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2560 mm |
