2004 Ford Ka vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2004 Ford Ka is newer by 23 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Ka (94 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Ka weights approximately 315 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Santana |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
