1981 Volkswagen Santana vs. 2006 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 25 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 293 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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Santana | 2006 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Santana | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
