1997 Honda Life vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1997 Honda Life 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1997 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 235 kg more than 1997 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. 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 (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Life | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Santana |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2560 mm |
