2002 Seat Leon vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2002 Seat Leon 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), 2002 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Seat Leon (178 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Seat Leon weights approximately 341 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 2002 Seat Leon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Seat Leon will offer significantly more control. 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 Seat Leon (235 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Seat Leon | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Seat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Leon | Santana |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1396 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
