1978 Chrysler 160 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 Chrysler 160. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chrysler 160 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 160. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 160. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler 160 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Because 1978 Chrysler 160 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 Chrysler 160. 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 160. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 160.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Chrysler 160 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
Model | 160 | Santana |
Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1639 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 133 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2560 mm |