2006 Cadillac CTS vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2006 Cadillac CTS is newer by 25 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 3,556 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac CTS (255 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 602 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 2006 Cadillac CTS 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 2006 Cadillac CTS. 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, 2006 Cadillac CTS (343 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac CTS | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Santana |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3556 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
