1999 GMC Safari vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1999 GMC Safari 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 4,291 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Safari weights approximately 930 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 1999 GMC Safari 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 1999 GMC Safari. 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, 1999 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1999 GMC Safari 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 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Safari | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Santana |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 60 L |
