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National Geographic : 1977 Apr
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How did an American Ford Granada compare in tests of smoothness and quietness of ridewith a$20,000German Mercedes? Read how German engineers rated both cars after 7days of testing. For 1977, a new Ford Granada was brought to Germany for a scientific ride comparison with a Mercedes Benz 450SE (U.S. sticker price: $20,689*). The Granada was a stan dard production car equipped with optional 250CID engine ($96.) and automatic transmission ($186.). Test ing was conducted by an independent German engineering firm. View of test site in btavaria, Uermany. Test 1: Smoothness test. To test for "riding smoothness" the German engineers drove the Granada and the Mercedes at various speeds over a variety of roads in northern Germany, ranging from cobblestone to smooth highway. Using a sensitive electronic recorder, they measured vi bration levels. Test results: Analysis of the engi neers' data showed that in three out of the four test conditions there were "no major differences" in smoothness between Granada and the Mercedes. Test 2: Quietness test. In the next series of tests the cars were evaluated for "quiet ness" of ride. Again, they were compared over a variety of Ger man road surfaces at speeds from 30-55 mph. A sound meter recorded their inte rior decibel levels on the dBA scale. Test results: Analysis of the data showed that in all tests the Ford Granada consistently rode as quietly as the Mercedes-Benz. The Granada idea... ... was to offer American drivers clas sic styling and great riding comforts at a sensible price. You've read what this Granada did against a $20,000 Mercedes-Benz in Germany. Take a Granada test drive of your own and see for yourself. FQRD When America needs a better idea, Ford puts it on wheels. The Shopkeeper shown approximately actual size. *1977 Ford Granada.Sticker price: $4,088, excluding taxes, title, destinationcharges. WSW tires, $39. (Photographedin EA .A_&AM NN NA IIINAI (4-f 44A I
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