1981 Nissan Cherry vs. 1997 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Fusca is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,583 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Fusca is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Cherry (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (52 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Cherry weights approximately 30 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Fusca 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 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry, 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 Nissan Cherry (123 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Cherry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Cherry | 1997 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cherry | Fusca |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
