2003 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 528 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1165 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 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 875 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CL | Santana |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 603 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2155 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 60 L |
