2007 BMW X3 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2007 BMW X3 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW X3 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW X3 weights approximately 710 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 2007 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 BMW X3 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 2007 BMW X3 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. 2007 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW X3 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X3 | Santana |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
