1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette (118 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette weights approximately 625 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 Oldsmobile Silhouette (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Santana has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silhouette | Santana |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2560 mm |
