1980 Chrysler Avenger vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chrysler Avenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chrysler Avenger would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Chrysler Avenger (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Chrysler Avenger should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 145 kg more than 1980 Chrysler Avenger.
Because 1980 Chrysler Avenger 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 1980 Chrysler Avenger. 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 (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. (93 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chrysler Avenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chrysler Avenger | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | Avenger | Santana |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2560 mm |
