2006 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (115 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 137 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | New Beetle | Santana |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1162 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
