1988 BMW M3 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 274 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M3 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | M3 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1988 | 1985 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2303 cc | 5013 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 221 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 325 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1474 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |