1991 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1991 Ford Thunderbird 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 697 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 1991 Ford Thunderbird 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 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (373 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
1991 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Thunderbird | Santana |
Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 373 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1055 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |