1973 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (311 HP @ 3300 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (630 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 393 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | X3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2810 mm |
