1957 BMW 503 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 503 would be higher. At 5,747 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 170 kg more than 1957 BMW 503. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 503 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
