1985 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1985 Mazda RX-7 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 2,292 cc, 1985 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda RX-7 (165 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 122 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 Mazda RX-7 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 Mazda RX-7. 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 Mazda RX-7 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1985 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1985 Mazda RX-7 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:
| 1985 Mazda RX-7 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-7 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2560 mm |
