Are the Three Major Components of Santana and Bora the Same?

[JuniperRose]

Santana and Bora do not share the same three major components. The three major components of Volkswagen Bora and Santana are the engine, transmission, and chassis. While the engine models differ, their power and torque are the same. The transmission and chassis suspension are identical. Here is additional information: Volkswagen Bora: The Volkswagen Bora comes in 1.5L and 1.4TSI variants. The 1.5L variant's engine has a maximum horsepower of 116Ps, maximum power of 85kW, maximum power speed of 6000rpm, maximum torque of 150N·m, and maximum torque speed of 4000rpm. The 1.4TSI variant's engine has a maximum horsepower of 150Ps, maximum power of 110kW, maximum power speed range of 5000-6000rpm, maximum torque of 250N·m, and maximum torque speed range of 1750-3000rpm.

[MacManuel]

I previously conducted a detailed comparison between these two cars, finding both similarities and differences in their three major components. In terms of the engine, both indeed utilized the Volkswagen EA211 series' 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, making them technically homologous. As for the transmission, the manual gearbox structures are similar, but the automatic transmissions differ significantly: the Santana commonly uses a 6AT, while the mid-to-high trim levels of the Bora employ a dual-clutch transmission, resulting in noticeable differences in shift speed and fuel efficiency. The chassis is the most noteworthy aspect—the Santana is based on an older platform with a simple torsion beam rear suspension, whereas the Bora has switched to the new MQB platform. Although it also uses a torsion beam, it incorporates a Watt's linkage, greatly enhancing cornering stability. While the electric power steering systems are similar, the Bora's calibration is more precise. In actual driving, the Bora exhibits a noticeably more substantial and refined overall feel.

[Anne]

Last month, I discussed this topic while test-driving with a friend. The Santana and Bora indeed share engines from the same family, with nearly identical 1.5L displacement parameters. However, their tuning differs: the Bora has more responsive throttle feedback and feels livelier off the line. As for transmissions, both base models come with a 5MT—no difference there—but their automatic options are entirely distinct: the Bora uses a quick-shifting dual-clutch, while the Santana’s 6AT is smoother but reacts a beat slower. The chassis is where the real divergence lies: the Bora’s newer platform delivers finer vibration absorption, especially reducing rear-seat jolts over bumps, and its suspension offers noticeably better support. Both have light steering, but the Bora feels more planted at highway speeds.

[DelRachel]

As an ordinary car owner who frequently interacts with these two models, the most intuitive impression is that while they share the three major components, there's a noticeable gap in refinement. Lifting the hood reveals the same engine block, but the driving experience differs significantly: the Bora's gearshift responds with a light push, while the Santana always lags half a beat in acceleration. Hitting speed bumps tells the whole story: the Bora's chassis feels like gliding over bumps with a sponge, whereas the Santana delivers two distinct thuds. Mechanics have mentioned that the Bora's MQB platform parts are pricier, but that rear stabilizer bar is truly worth every penny—it does a better job at minimizing body roll during lane changes.