1979 Isuzu Gemini vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Isuzu Gemini. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Isuzu Gemini would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Isuzu Gemini (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Isuzu Gemini should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Isuzu Gemini weights approximately 135 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 1979 Isuzu Gemini 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 1979 Isuzu Gemini. 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Isuzu Gemini. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Isuzu Gemini. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1979 Isuzu Gemini has manual transmission. 1979 Isuzu Gemini will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Isuzu Gemini | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Isuzu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Gemini | Santana |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 60 L |
