2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 1512 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 Dodge Dakota 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 2009 Dodge Dakota 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. 2009 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Santana |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2537 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 60 L |
