1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 30 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, 2011 BMW 325 (194 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2011 BMW 325 (400 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 BMW 325 | |
Make | Pontiac | BMW |
Model | Firebird | 325 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2494 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 145 HP | 194 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 324 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 17.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4230 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 61 L |