2002 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 21 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 590 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 166 | Santana |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
