1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 10 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, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 280 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1991 Caterham Super 7 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 1991 Caterham Super 7. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1991 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1991 Caterham Super 7 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:
1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
Model | Super 7 | Santana |
Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 143 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |