1988 BMW 520 vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1976 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 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 | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
