1980 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Golf 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 41 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 40 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Santana |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1093 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
