1970 Pontiac GTO vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1970 Pontiac GTO is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 7,460 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (360 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 322 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 975 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (678 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 589 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac GTO | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7460 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 678 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106.9 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2410 mm |
