1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 32 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 489 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.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 5 Series. (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 5 Series.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1616 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2132 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1559 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
