1981 Ford Granada vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 32 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 2,292 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 40 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 1981 Ford Granada has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Granada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Granada | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2537 mm |
