1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 BMW X5
To start off, 2010 BMW X5 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 X5 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW X5 weights approximately 718 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 BMW X5 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 X5 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW X5. (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW X5. 2010 BMW X5 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 X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | X5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 2260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1765 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2934 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 85 L |
