1972 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Bonneville (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 760 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Pontiac Bonneville 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 1972 Pontiac Bonneville. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1972 Pontiac Bonneville (484 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. 1972 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Pontiac Bonneville | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Bonneville | Beetle |
Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7462 cc | 1899 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 185 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 484 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5740 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2520 mm |