2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 510 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, 2004 Ford Taurus (250 Nm) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Santana |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
