1966 BMW 1602 vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1602. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1602 would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1602. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1602. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 656 kg more than 1966 BMW 1602. 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1602. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1602.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1602 | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 1602 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 159 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 76 L |
