2002 Kia Rio vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2002 Kia Rio 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2002 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 2002 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Kia Rio weights approximately 230 kg more 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (145 Nm) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Kia Rio. (113 Nm). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Kia Rio. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 2002 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2002 Kia Rio 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:
| 2002 Kia Rio | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rio | Santana |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 71.6 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2560 mm |
