1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 1981 Porsche 944 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 944 (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 300 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Gran Torino | 944 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
