1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 BMW 550
To start off, 2010 BMW 550 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2010 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2010 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 BMW 550 | |
Make | Pontiac | BMW |
Model | Firebird | 550 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5012 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 145 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 324 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4999 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3066 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |