1971 BMW 3 vs. 1982 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1982 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. (106 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 44 kg more than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1982 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2570 mm |
