2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 701 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 Nitro 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 Dodge Nitro. 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 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Santana |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 60 L |
