1978 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 279 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | X3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 67 L |
