1980 TVR Tasmin 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 TVR Tasmin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 TVR Tasmin would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 TVR Tasmin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 TVR Tasmin (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 TVR Tasmin should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 TVR Tasmin weights approximately 227 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 1980 TVR Tasmin 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 TVR Tasmin. 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, 1980 TVR Tasmin (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1980 TVR Tasmin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1980 TVR Tasmin has manual transmission. 1980 TVR Tasmin 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:
| 1980 TVR Tasmin | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | TVR | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tasmin | Santana |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1017 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
