1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1988 Dodge Spirit is newer by 7 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 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Dodge Spirit (141 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (68 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 16 kg more than 1988 Dodge Spirit.
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, 1988 Dodge Spirit, 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, 1988 Dodge Spirit (232 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (148 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Spirit | Granada |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2780 mm |
