1971 Pontiac Grand Prix vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 41 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 89 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 441 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen 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, 2012 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, 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix (461 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Prix | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6545 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
