2009 Cadillac CTS vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS is newer by 28 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 3,599 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac CTS (263 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 845 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 2009 Cadillac CTS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Cadillac CTS (343 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 2009 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2009 Cadillac CTS 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:
| 2009 Cadillac CTS | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Santana |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3599 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
