1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 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 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 637 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Ford Gran Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 1972 Ford Gran Torino has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Gran Torino | Golf |
Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5751 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 161 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 374 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 1105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4148 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1735 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2512 mm |