What is the top speed of the Granada Cosworth?
The Granada Cosworth is remembered for combining everyday usability with a surprising turn of speed for a family-style sedan. The top speed is generally cited in the low 200 km/h range, with variations depending on year, tuning, and equipment.
Context and development
The Granada Cosworth was a limited-run, high-performance variant developed by Ford's UK division in the 1980s. Built under Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering umbrella, these versions focused on improved power delivery, handling, and aerodynamics while retaining the car’s everyday practicality. Test figures from period road tests reflect the era’s emphasis on comfortable high-speed cruising rather than extreme track performance.
Reported top speeds by variant
Below is a compact summary of commonly cited top-speed ranges for different Cosworth-derivative Granada configurations. Figures can vary by year, transmission, tires, and testing conditions.
- Early Granada Cosworth variants (1980s): approximately 210–215 km/h (130–134 mph).
- Later Cosworth-tuned variants (mid- to late-1980s): approximately 225–230 km/h (140–143 mph).
Notes: These figures come from contemporary road tests and later compilations. Real-world speeds depend on aerodynamics, weight, gear ratios, and tire choice. The car was designed for stable high-speed running and comfortable acceleration rather than outright sprint performance.
Comparative context
Compared with its peers from the same era, the Granada Cosworth occupied a space among faster family sedans but was not always the outright quickest. Its closest Ford rival from the period, the Sierra RS Cosworth, often posted higher peak speeds due to a more aggressively tuned drivetrain and chassis, while the Granada variant prioritized a balance of speed with everyday usability.
Notable considerations for modern enthusiasts
Today, surviving Granada Cosworth examples are relatively rare, and top-speed figures should be treated as approximate given the variety of builds and restorations. For collectors or restorers, exact performance can vary significantly depending on engine condition, gearing, and any modifications that have been made over the years.
Summary
In short, the Granada Cosworth typically tops out in the low 200 km/h range, with common estimates placing early models around 210–215 km/h and later variants around 225–230 km/h. Actual performance can differ based on year, configuration, and how the car has been maintained or modified. The model remains a notable example of Ford’s 1980s approach to blending practicality with performance.
