1981 Ford Granada vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle 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 2,548 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 872 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (152 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Granada | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2548 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
