1988 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1988 Honda Civic 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Civic weights approximately 60 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1988 Honda Civic 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:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Santana |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2560 mm |
