1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 520 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7467 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 108 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2968 mm |
