1987 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 6 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 11 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33. (79 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 33 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33. (113 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1987 Alfa Romeo 33 has manual transmission. 1987 Alfa Romeo 33 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:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 33 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
