1988 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 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 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 250 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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. 1973 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2750 mm |
