1988 Buick Electra vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 520 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.
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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Santana has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Santana |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2560 mm |
