1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 34 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 324 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2006 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, 2006 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Gran Torino | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1321 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
