2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 11 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (151 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Granada |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1346 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4199 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
