1996 BMW 725 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1996 BMW 725 is newer by 15 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 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 725 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 995 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 1996 BMW 725 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 1996 BMW 725. 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, 1996 BMW 725 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 725 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 725 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:
1996 BMW 725 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 725 | Santana |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2560 mm |