1996 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,761 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 72 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 1996 De Tomaso Pantera 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 1996 De Tomaso Pantera. 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, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera (460 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1996 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1996 De Tomaso Pantera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 De Tomaso Pantera | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pantera | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
