2003 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 130 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Polo | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo | Santana |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
