1981 BMW 520 vs. 1991 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1991 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Pontiac Firebird (140 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 190 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. 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, 1991 Pontiac Firebird (244 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 520 | 1991 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 520 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3128 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 244 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1410 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |