1976 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1976 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 353. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 353 would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Bonneville (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 1146 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Bonneville. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, 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, 1976 Pontiac Bonneville (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 353. 1976 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1966 Wartburg 353 has manual transmission. 1966 Wartburg 353 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Pontiac Bonneville | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Wartburg |
| Model | Bonneville | 353 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2106 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5750 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2460 mm |
