1976 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1976 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 520 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2968 mm |
