1977 BMW 520 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 232 kg more than 1977 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
