1974 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 6,558 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Bonneville (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 845 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Pontiac Bonneville. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New 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, 1974 Pontiac Bonneville (415 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1974 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Pontiac Bonneville | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Bonneville | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6558 cc | 1422 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 415 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 104.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 75.6 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 2105 kg | 1260 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5750 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2510 mm |