1981 Volkswagen Santana vs. 1994 Volvo 960
To start off, 1994 Volvo 960 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 2,473 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 960 weights approximately 445 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 Volvo 960 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 Volvo 960. 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 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1994 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Santana | 1994 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Santana | 960 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2780 mm |
