2004 Toyota Highlander vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2004 Toyota Highlander 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 3,310 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Highlander (230 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 730 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 2004 Toyota Highlander 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, 2004 Toyota Highlander 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, 2004 Toyota Highlander (329 Nm) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm). This means 2004 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Toyota Highlander | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Santana |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3310 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 60 L |
