1972 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,761 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. (221 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 165 kg more than 1972 De Tomaso Pantera.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 De Tomaso Pantera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will offer significantly more control. 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, 1972 De Tomaso Pantera (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 De Tomaso Pantera | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pantera | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 255 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
