1998 Ford Focus vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 17 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, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 84 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, 1998 Ford Focus (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Santana |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
