1988 BMW 524 vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 395 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 524 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
