2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 6 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 1981 Ford Granada has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Granada |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1346 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2780 mm |
