1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (123 HP) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 530 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, 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (264 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Santana has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Santana |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2560 mm |
