1988 BMW 525 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 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,783 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 80 kg more than 1988 BMW 525. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 525 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 3783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
