1998 Pontiac Trans Sport vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport 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 2,258 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport (145 HP) has 86 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 730 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 Pontiac Trans Sport (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Trans Sport | Santana |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 60 L |
