1981 Volkswagen Santana vs. 1974 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Corolla would be higher. Both 1981 Volkswagen Santana and 1974 Toyota Corolla are equipped with a 1,588 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Toyota Corolla (84 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 125 kg more than 1974 Toyota Corolla.
Because 1974 Toyota Corolla 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 1974 Toyota Corolla. 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, 1974 Toyota Corolla (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1974 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1974 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Santana has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Santana | 1974 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Santana | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2380 mm |
