1988 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
