1973 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 1977 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Bonneville (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 1170 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Pontiac Bonneville. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1973 Pontiac Bonneville (484 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 397 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Pontiac Bonneville | 1977 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Bonneville | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1977 |
| 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 | 484 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5740 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2410 mm |
