1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera 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 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 645 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1996 Buick Riviera 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. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Buick Riviera | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Santana |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 23.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1055 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |