1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 BMW 650
To start off, 2012 BMW 650 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 650 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 650 weights approximately 402 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2012 BMW 650 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 650 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 650 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 BMW 650 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 650 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
