1986 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1986 Mazda RX-7 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 2,354 cc, 1986 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mazda RX-7 (185 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Because 1986 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 1986 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, 1986 Mazda RX-7 (246 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1986 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mazda RX-7 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-7 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2560 mm |
