1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP) has 256 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 804 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.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Santana |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4971 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
