1981 Ford Granada vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 27 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 2,548 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Granada (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Granada should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 97 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Granada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1981 Ford Granada (152 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Granada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Granada | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2548 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
