1978 BMW 520 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, both 1978 BMW 520 and 1978 Pontiac Firebird were released in the same year (1978). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 520 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1978 | 1978 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |