1972 BMW Turbo vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW Turbo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW Turbo would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1972 BMW Turbo. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW Turbo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 521 kg more than 1972 BMW Turbo. 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW Turbo. (177 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW Turbo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW Turbo | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Turbo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
