1974 Ford Granada vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1974 Ford Granada is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Granada (127 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Granada should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Granada weights approximately 818 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Granada 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 1974 Ford Granada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1974 Ford Granada (298 Nm) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (77 Nm). This means 1974 Ford Granada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Granada | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Granada | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |
