1993 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1993 Fiat Panda is newer by 12 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (53 HP) has 19 more horse power than 1993 Fiat Panda. (34 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1993 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 345 kg more than 1993 Fiat Panda. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Fiat Panda. (58 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Fiat Panda | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Santana |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 767 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
