2007 Audi A3 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2007 Audi A3 is newer by 26 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Audi A3 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Audi A3 weights approximately 620 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, 2007 Audi A3 (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2007 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 2007 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2007 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A3 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | A3 | Santana |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
