1976 Citroen CX 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 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,347 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Citroen CX (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Citroen CX weights approximately 280 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Citroen CX (186 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1976 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1976 Citroen CX 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 Citroen CX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Citroen CX | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | CX | Santana |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
