1999 Buick Cielo vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1999 Buick Cielo 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Cielo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick Cielo (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Cielo should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
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, 1999 Buick Cielo (373 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Cielo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1999 Buick Cielo has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Santana has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Buick Cielo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Cielo | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cielo | Santana |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
