1972 BMW 3 vs. 1987 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 15 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
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 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1987 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2825 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
