1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne would be higher. At 5,317 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne weights approximately 492 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne 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 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne (441 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grande Parisienne | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5317 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.3 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1268 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 55 L |
