1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 163 kg more than 1985 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, 2010 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 120 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2838 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 51 L |
