1981 Ford Granada vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 230 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Granada. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Granada | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2490 mm |
