1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 35 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 13 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 427 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 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 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Gran Torino | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5751 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
