1979 Ford Granada vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Granada would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Granada (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Granada should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Granada weights approximately 252 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Granada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New 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, 1979 Ford Granada (262 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Granada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Granada | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Granada | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1268 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3010 mm |
