1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 18 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 488 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 has manual transmission. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 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:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 145 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 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 | 1278 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
