1979 Pontiac Trans Am vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP) has 36 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. (220 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am.
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, 2012 BMW 530 (540 Nm) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. (434 Nm). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. 2012 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1979 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Trans Am | 530 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 256 HP |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2968 mm |
