1972 BMW 3 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 86 kg more than 1972 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
