1978 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 645 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 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. 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 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Santana |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
