1996 Citroen XM vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1996 Citroen XM 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Citroen XM (115 HP) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen XM weights approximately 315 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 Citroen XM (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen XM | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | XM | Santana |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 60 L |
