Kia ora fk73,
Welcome to PPRuNe.
I've only flown the AA-1A and B, for a few hours, many years ago.
They fly perfectly well, provided you stick to the recommendations, concerning flap and speeds. It's not a short-field aircraft and I only flew it on seal (tarmac to non-Kiwis), so I don't know about it's performance on grass.
I've also got several hours in a Tomahawk, which I also enjoyed flying.
I see that the AA-1C has a very similar Vso, within a knot, to the A and C:
"Grumman" Aircraft Specifications
So 1.3 x 53 kts Vso = 68 kts or 78 mph, which matches the 80 mph approach speed I was recommended to use. So I think your 80 kts approach speed is a bit fast.
(I will never spin this AC BTW)
Absolutely vital*. Back in the 70s, the CFI of the company I rented from, insisted on demonstrating a spin to a newly-hired instructor, inspite of the prominent NO SPINNING placard. The spin went flat, the CFI was killed and the new instructor was crippled for life.
* unintended pun.
PS Good writeup here:
Aviation Consumer - The AGAC AA-1