1981 BMW 525 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 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 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 300 kg more than 1981 BMW 525. 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 525 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 92 mm |
| 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 | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
