2003 Kia Sorento vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2003 Kia Sorento 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 3,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Kia Sorento (192 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 935 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 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 2003 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Sorento | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sorento | Santana |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3489 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 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 | 1990 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
