1973 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 40 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Bonneville. (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 614 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Pontiac Bonneville | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Bonneville | GTI |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7462 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 484 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5740 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2578 mm |
