1981 Volkswagen Santana vs. 1994 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1994 Ford Fairlane is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Santana would be higher. At 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Ford Fairlane (205 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 790 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 1994 Ford Fairlane 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 1994 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1994 Ford Fairlane (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1994 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Santana | 1994 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Santana | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2930 mm |
