Introducing the G R A N A D A - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TX76513 · #1 05-03-2013, 09:17 AM

I am sure this has been posted/discussed in the last decade. Ran across it again today. Its a good Friday Chuckle

sloride · #2 05-03-2013, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

I am sure this has been posted/discussed in the last decade. Ran across it again today. Its a good Friday Chuckle

Thanks for posting that I needed a good laugh. Anyone care to guess the percentage of those sold that are still on the road today.

TX76513 · #3 05-03-2013, 09:34 AM

Barry had one

daw_two · #4 05-03-2013, 09:53 AM

I'm just happy to see your avatar again!!!

barry12345 · #5 05-03-2013, 09:57 AM

I had one. The steering geometry was supposed to be a copy of the mercedes but the car certainly did not handle like one. I do not think their advertising it the way they did really did much for sales.

Jorn · #6 05-03-2013, 12:42 PM

The European Ford Granada Coupe designed by Ghia was not a bad looking car.

LUVMBDiesels · #7 05-03-2013, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

I am sure this has been posted/discussed in the last decade. Ran across it again today. Its a good Friday Chuckle

Wait! Which is which? I cannot tell!

Great advertisement, if nothing else...

Mark DiSilvestro · #8 05-03-2013, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry12345

I had one. The steering geometry was supposed to be a copy of the mercedes but the car certainly did not handle like one. I do not think their advertising it the way they did really did much for sales.

Naturally, since the steering, as well as most other mechanical bits were lifted from the Ford Maverick. The US Granada was more quiet, comfortable and roomy than a Maverick. That plus it's size and the advertised "mitered" aluminum door-trim was as close as it got to a Mercedes.
The European Granadas were much closer to a Mercedes.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Stretch · #9 05-03-2013, 01:56 PM

Yeah man...

I had a MK2

Simpler=Better · #10 05-03-2013, 02:01 PM

It was apparently a bad year for Mercedes :p

Air&Road · #11 05-03-2013, 02:02 PM

Mark,

The Maverick had a Rack & Pinion?

In reality, the Granada was one of those cars that in spite of its lack of success did a little breaking of the mold. It shared MANY more chassis parts with the Fox bodied cars than it did with the Maverick. In fact, outside of some of the engine and transmission choices, there's not much else that it shared with the Maverick.

Air&Road · #12 05-03-2013, 02:09 PM

Stretch,

IMHO, on average, the European Fords are better than the US Fords. I've driven a number of rent cars in Europe and the Fords such as the Mondeo were always pleasant surprises.

I ended up missing a flight about 4:00PM one afternoon from Eindhoven to Hamburg. The rental fellow found a Mondeo station wagon that needed to go to Hamburg. I had to be there at 8AM the next morning no matter what. I thought that I was doomed having to make the trip in a Ford Station Wagon. I was in for a VERY pleasant surprise. It was a five speed with adequate power and great road manners.

It didn't take long to get into Germany and once past the border I ran that thing between 160 and 200 KPH most all the way except through the crowded areas, Essen and Dusseldorf area as I recall. It was a hoot to drive.

Jorn · #13 05-03-2013, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

Yeah man...

I had a MK2

My neighbor had one of those, sharp looking car. When his kids were out of the house he got him self a Capri. The guy was an ass but I always admired his cars.

SwampYankee · #14 05-03-2013, 02:32 PM

Bigger than a Maverick and smaller than a Valiant? SOLD! Get. Me. One. Now.

Stretch · #15 05-03-2013, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road

Stretch,

IMHO, on average, the European Fords are better than the US Fords. I've driven a number of rent cars in Europe and the Fords such as the Mondeo were always pleasant surprises.

I ended up missing a flight about 4:00PM one afternoon from Eindhoven to Hamburg. The rental fellow found a Mondeo station wagon that needed to go to Hamburg. I had to be there at 8AM the next morning no matter what. I thought that I was doomed having to make the trip in a Ford Station Wagon. I was in for a VERY pleasant surprise. It was a five speed with adequate power and great road manners.

It didn't take long to get into Germany and once past the border I ran that thing between 160 and 200 KPH most all the way except through the crowded areas, Essen and Dusseldorf area as I recall. It was a hoot to drive.

I too like those Mondeos they are much much better than the French equivalents; the Focus is pretty good in my opinion too - though all of these cars are getting a bit old now. I'm getting old too - I'd rather have an Audi...

As far as I'm concerned you still can't beat a Transit - they are harder to hire over here in Holland you always get given a Sprinter and I never have as much "drive it like you stole it" fun in them...