1986 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 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, 1986 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1989 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
