1974 BMW 2.8 vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 BMW 2.8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 2.8 (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (173 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 2.8 should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 56 kg more than 1974 BMW 2.8.
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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 2.8. (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 2.8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 2.8 | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 2.8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3293 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2750 mm |
