1976 Porsche 912 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 Porsche 912. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Porsche 912 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Porsche 912 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Porsche 912. (86 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1976 Porsche 912. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Porsche 912 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Because 1976 Porsche 912 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 Porsche 912. 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Porsche 912. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Porsche 912. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1976 Porsche 912 has manual transmission. 1976 Porsche 912 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:
| 1976 Porsche 912 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 912 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2560 mm |
