1983 Nissan Skyline vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1983 Nissan Skyline is newer by 2 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 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Nissan Skyline (93 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 260 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 1983 Nissan Skyline 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 1983 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1983 Nissan Skyline (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1983 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1983 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1983 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Nissan Skyline | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skyline | Santana |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2560 mm |
