1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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 450 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Gran Torino | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
