2006 Renault Vel Satis vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2006 Renault Vel Satis 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 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Renault Vel Satis (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 755 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 Renault Vel Satis (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 2006 Renault Vel Satis has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Santana has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Renault Vel Satis | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vel Satis | Santana |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
