1988 BMW 530 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1988 BMW 530 is newer by 7 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 530 (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 603 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 1988 BMW 530 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 1988 BMW 530. 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, 1988 BMW 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 530 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 530 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2560 mm |
