1974 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 34 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 7,473 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Bonneville (197 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 844 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 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 (468 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1974 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Bonneville | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7473 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2110 kg | 1266 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 |
