2003 Ford Escape vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2003 Ford Escape 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Escape (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Escape weights approximately 486 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 Ford Escape 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 Ford Escape 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 Ford Escape (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Escape | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escape | Santana |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
