1971 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 308 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 1971 De Tomaso Pantera 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 1971 De Tomaso Pantera. 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, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera (481 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 De Tomaso Pantera | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pantera | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 481 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
