1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara is newer by 16 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 230 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1997 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 1997 Citroen Xsara 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:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xsara | Santana |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 90 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
