2003 Buick Rendezvous vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2003 Buick Rendezvous is newer by 22 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 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Rendezvous is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Rendezvous (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rendezvous should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Rendezvous weights approximately 795 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 2003 Buick Rendezvous 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, 2003 Buick Rendezvous 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, 2003 Buick Rendezvous (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Rendezvous will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 2003 Buick Rendezvous has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Santana has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Buick Rendezvous will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Rendezvous | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rendezvous | Santana |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2560 mm |
