1992 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1992 Honda Civic is newer by 11 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, 1992 Honda Civic (160 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Honda Civic weights approximately 290 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.
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, 1992 Honda Civic (150 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1992 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1992 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1992 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:
| 1992 Honda Civic | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Santana |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
