1969 Pontiac GTO vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,549 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Pontiac GTO (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 170 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Pontiac GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen 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, 1969 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 433 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1969 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Pontiac GTO | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6549 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 55 L |
