1978 BMW 520 vs. 1983 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1983 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP) has 1 more horse power than 1983 Pontiac Firebird. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1983 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 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1983 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
