1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 BMW 325
To start off, 2010 BMW 325 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 110 kg more than 2010 BMW 325.
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, 2010 BMW 325 (270 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2010 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2010 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 325 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 63 L |
