1986 Opel Kadett vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1986 Opel Kadett 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1986 Opel Kadett. (81 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1986 Opel Kadett.
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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Opel Kadett. (132 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Opel Kadett. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1986 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1986 Opel Kadett 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:
| 1986 Opel Kadett | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Santana |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
