1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1988 Buick Skylark 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Skylark weights approximately 200 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 Skylark (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1988 Buick Skylark 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 Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Santana |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2560 mm |
