1996 Fiat 131 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1996 Fiat 131 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Fiat 131 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 30 kg more than 1996 Fiat 131.
Because 1996 Fiat 131 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 Fiat 131. 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 Fiat 131 (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Fiat 131 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 131 | Santana |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 167 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 23.0:1 |
Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1055 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |