2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (108 HP) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 145 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Santana |
Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1296 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 59 HP |
Torque | 134 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 75.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 73.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |