2005 Nissan Micra vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2005 Nissan Micra 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Micra (88 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Micra should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Micra weights approximately 22 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, 2005 Nissan Micra (128 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan Micra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan Micra | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Micra | Santana |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1386 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1047 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 60 L |
