1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1995 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 14 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, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 236 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1995 Caterham Super 7 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 1995 Caterham Super 7. 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, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1995 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1995 Caterham Super 7 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:
| 1995 Caterham Super 7 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | Super 7 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 554 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 60 L |
