1988 BMW 535 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 55 kg more than 1988 BMW 535.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 535 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 535 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3430 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 310 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |