2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 530 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 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Santana |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
