1978 Buick Century vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 405 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 1978 Buick Century 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 1978 Buick Century. 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, 1978 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Century | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Century | Santana |
Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3213 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 217 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |