2006 Cadillac XLR vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2006 Cadillac XLR 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 4,563 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac XLR (322 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 865 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 XLR 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 XLR. 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 XLR (420 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac XLR | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | XLR | Santana |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4563 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
