1971 BMW 3 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 25 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 20 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 122 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 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 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 3 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 200 HP |
Torque | 255 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
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 | 1502 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2570 mm |