1987 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,825 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1987 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, 1987 Pontiac Firebird (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1987 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Pontiac Firebird | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 318 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2825 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 63 L |
