1966 Pontiac GTO vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,375 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Pontiac GTO (366 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 187 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Pontiac GTO 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 1966 Pontiac GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1966 Pontiac GTO (575 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 449 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1966 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Pontiac GTO | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | Golf |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6375 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 366 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1213 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2580 mm |
