What are the differences between the Santana and the Jetta?
3 Answers
Here are the differences between the Santana and the Jetta: Power: The Jetta is equipped with a transverse 1.6L two-valve or five-valve naturally aspirated engine. The Santana has a longitudinal 1.8L naturally aspirated engine. Rear suspension: The Jetta uses a torsion beam with spring shock absorbers and a booster set. The Santana uses a torsion beam with spring shock absorbers. Exterior: The Santana, with its rectangular air vent design, appears very stable and mature, making it particularly suitable for business professionals. The Jetta's dynamic body lines are very youthful, and with its round air vents and mesh grille, it looks full of vitality.
The Pu Sang is essentially the older version of the Volkswagen Santana. It arrived in China in the 1980s and was impressively durable and reliable. I've driven it a few times and felt its body was slightly larger than the Jetta, offering more spacious and comfortable seating for long trips. Its boxy design carries a retro vibe, and it mostly came with simple yet reliable 1.6L or 1.8L engines, which were cheap to maintain. The Jetta came later, introduced in the 1990s, with a more rounded and modern look. Though smaller in size, it was more agile and easier to park in the city. Positioned as a more economical and practical option, it now offers 1.4T or 1.5L engines, delivering stronger power with lower fuel consumption—around 6L per 100km. Both are reliable, but the Pu Sang represents the old-school durability, while the Jetta leans toward modern practicality. Driving them feels different—the Pu Sang is like an old buddy, while the Jetta is like a younger partner. Each has its own story in China's automotive history.
From a daily driving perspective, the differences between the Santana and Jetta are quite noticeable. The Santana offers ample space, making it ideal for long trips with family—the rear seats aren't cramped, and the trunk has plenty of room for luggage, so practicality is top-notch. However, older models have slightly higher fuel consumption, especially in city traffic, and the steering feels heavy, offering stable handling that's almost like driving a boat. The Jetta, on the other hand, has a more compact body, making it more agile around corners and easier to park. Its interior feels more modern with less plastic, and it's quieter at highway speeds. In terms of maintenance costs, Santana parts are cheaper and repair shops are everywhere, while the Jetta is also easy to maintain, though newer turbo models require attention to oil changes. For family use, the Jetta is a better pick, while those prioritizing space might prefer the Santana. Both cars are durable—they just cater to different needs. The Santana is more straightforward, while the Jetta leans toward being flashier.
