1976 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Bonneville 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 68 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 814 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 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, 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, 1976 Pontiac Bonneville (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1976 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. 1976 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Pontiac Bonneville | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Bonneville | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 373 Nm | 155 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 2106 kg | 1292 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5750 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2520 mm |