2001 Caterham Beaulieu vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu is newer by 20 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, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 265 kg more than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
Because 2001 Caterham Beaulieu 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 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 2001 Caterham Beaulieu has manual transmission. 2001 Caterham Beaulieu 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:
| 2001 Caterham Beaulieu | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beaulieu | Santana |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
