1971 BMW 3 vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 205 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2750 mm |
