1988 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,747 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 470 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. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 5747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2810 mm |
