1981 Ford Granada vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 30 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (68 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 452 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (148 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 2011 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Granada has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Granada will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Granada | 535 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2968 mm |
