1975 BMW 520 vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 301 kg more than 1975 BMW 520. 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
