2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 430 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 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 190 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Santana |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 190 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
