1971 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1971 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Bonneville (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1971 Pontiac Bonneville (485 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 398 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1971 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Pontiac Bonneville | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Bonneville | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1971 | 1961 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7462 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 185 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 485 Nm | 87 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 840 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5740 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2430 mm |