2009 Fiat Croma vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2009 Fiat Croma 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat Croma (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Croma weights approximately 715 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, 2009 Fiat Croma (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Croma 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 Fiat Croma has manual transmission. 2009 Fiat Croma 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 Fiat Croma | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Croma | Santana |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
