1996 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic 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. Both 1996 Honda Civic and 1981 Volkswagen Santana are equipped with a 1,588 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 185 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 Honda Civic (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Santana |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
