2008 Renault Espace vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2008 Renault Espace is newer by 27 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 2,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Renault Espace (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Espace weights approximately 895 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, 2008 Renault Espace (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 2008 Renault Espace 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. 2008 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Renault Espace | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Espace | Santana |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2956 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1920 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 60 L |
