1991 Fiat 126 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1991 Fiat 126 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1991 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1991 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 145 kg more than 1991 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Fiat 126 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 Fiat 126. 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Fiat 126. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1991 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1991 Fiat 126 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 Fiat 126 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
