1988 BMW 730 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 730 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1988 BMW 730. (185 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 730 weights approximately 98 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 730. (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 730 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 730 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2984 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 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 | 1600 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 58 L |
