1973 BMW 3 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 355 kg more than 1973 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1973 BMW 3 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 3 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1973 | 1979 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3153 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 203 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 287 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1625 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5010 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |