1981 BMW 525 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 248 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 525 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 525 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3353 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 215 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.4:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |