1988 BMW 520 vs. 1975 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 180 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. 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, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1975 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1975 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
