1986 Holden Commodore vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1986 Holden Commodore is newer by 5 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 4,987 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Holden Commodore (164 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Holden Commodore weights approximately 505 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 1986 Holden Commodore 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 1986 Holden Commodore. 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, 1986 Holden Commodore (324 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1986 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Holden Commodore | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
Model | Commodore | Santana |
Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4987 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 164 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 324 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2560 mm |