2012 Fiat Panda vs. 1987 Nissan Santana
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Nissan Santana (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2012 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Nissan Santana should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat Panda weights approximately 70 kg more than 1987 Nissan Santana.
Because 2012 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Nissan Santana. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Panda 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, 2012 Fiat Panda (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Nissan Santana. (143 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Nissan Santana. 1987 Nissan Santana has automatic transmission and 2012 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2012 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Nissan Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Fiat Panda | 1987 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | Panda | Santana |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1987 |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
