1977 Buick LeSabre vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Buick LeSabre (163 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 575 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 1977 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 1977 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, 1977 Buick LeSabre (329 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1977 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1977 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. 1977 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1977 Buick LeSabre | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | LeSabre | Santana |
Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 329 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1055 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |