2001 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 187 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville (380 Nm) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Bonneville | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Bonneville | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1347 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2480 mm |
