1971 BMW Touring vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW Touring. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW Touring would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1971 BMW Touring. (85 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW Touring. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 566 kg more than 1971 BMW Touring. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW Touring. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW Touring.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW Touring | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Touring | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |
