1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick LeSabre (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 661 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 1976 Buick LeSabre 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 1976 Buick LeSabre. 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, 1976 Buick LeSabre (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1976 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1976 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Santana has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick LeSabre | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Santana |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 60 L |
