2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 210 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Because 2002 Lotus Exige 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 2002 Lotus Exige. 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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Lotus Exige | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Exige | Santana |
Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 177 HP | 75 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 181 Nm | 125 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 77.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |