1984 Ford Granada vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Ford Granada is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Granada (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Granada should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Granada weights approximately 490 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Ford Granada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1984 Ford Granada (151 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Granada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Granada has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Granada will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Granada | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Granada | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
