1975 Austin Marina vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1975 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1975 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Austin Marina weights approximately 90 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Because 1975 Austin Marina 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 1975 Austin Marina. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Austin Marina. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1975 Austin Marina has manual transmission. 1975 Austin Marina 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:
| 1975 Austin Marina | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Marina | Santana |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2560 mm |
