1981 Volkswagen Santana vs. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 28 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 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (431 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 792 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 2009 Chevrolet Corvette 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 2009 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (586 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 441 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Santana | 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Santana | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 6162 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 431 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 586 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 103.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1582 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 69 L |
