1977 Buick Regal 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 Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick Regal would be higher. At 4,932 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Buick Regal (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick Regal weights approximately 480 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 Regal 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 Regal. 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 Regal (334 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1977 Buick Regal 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 Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1977 Buick Regal | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Regal | Santana |
Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4932 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 143 HP | 75 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 334 Nm | 125 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2560 mm |