1979 BMW 732 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 BMW 732 is newer by 1 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 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 3 more horse power than 1979 BMW 732. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 BMW 732. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 85 kg more than 1979 BMW 732. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 BMW 732. (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 BMW 732.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 BMW 732 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 732 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2750 mm |
