1988 Citroen BX vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1988 Citroen BX 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 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Citroen BX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Citroen BX (90 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Citroen BX should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Citroen BX weights approximately 37 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 Citroen BX (181 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1988 Citroen BX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen BX | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | BX | Santana |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 60 L |
