2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt 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 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 241 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, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cobalt | Santana |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 60 L |
