1981 Volkswagen Santana vs. 1998 Acura RL
To start off, 1998 Acura RL is newer by 17 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 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Acura RL weights approximately 885 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.
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, 1998 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Santana | 1998 Acura RL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Acura |
| Model | Santana | RL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
