1978 BMW M1 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 242 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
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 M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW M1 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | M1 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 273 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 330 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 79 L |