1988 BMW 520 vs. 1984 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520.
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, 1984 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 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 | 1984 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
