2004 Pontiac GTO vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 326 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 521 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 2004 Pontiac GTO 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 2004 Pontiac GTO. 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, 2004 Pontiac GTO (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2004 Pontiac GTO has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Pontiac GTO will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Pontiac GTO | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
