1971 Pontiac Grand Prix vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 6,545 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 401 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Pontiac Grand Prix (461 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Prix | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6545 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
