1987 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1987 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Pontiac Bonneville (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 634 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 1987 Pontiac Bonneville (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1987 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Pontiac Bonneville | 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Bonneville | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1504 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2430 mm |
