1975 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ford Escort (108 HP) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 42 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort.
Because 1975 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. 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, 1975 Ford Escort (161 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Santana |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 923 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
