1985 Dodge Conquest vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1985 Dodge Conquest is newer by 4 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 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Dodge Conquest is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Dodge Conquest (143 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Dodge Conquest should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Dodge Conquest weights approximately 255 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 1985 Dodge Conquest 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 1985 Dodge Conquest. 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, 1985 Dodge Conquest (251 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1985 Dodge Conquest will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Dodge Conquest | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Conquest | Santana |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2555 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |
