1989 BMW Z1 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1989 BMW Z1 is newer by 8 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW Z1 (175 HP) has 116 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW Z1 weights approximately 285 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 1989 BMW Z1 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 1989 BMW Z1. 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, 1989 BMW Z1 (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z1 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |
